"In our play we reveal what kind of people we are."
-Ovid (Roman Poet)
"Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity."
-Kay Redfield Jamison
These quotes prove to be true for my life. As a child, I loved to play school. I would gather my younger sister and cousins in front of my chalkboard easel. Since I was considerably older than them, I was able to teach them everything I learned in school. I loved to write on the chalkboard because it made me feel like a real teacher. I would ask them questions while I was reading and give them assignments. My sister and cousins were cooperative students who loved to learn about what they called, "older kids' stuff."
I can remember the Christmas that I received my chalkboard easel. I was so happy and then so disappointed because the chalk was not included (smile). But, when I finally got the chalk I was able to practice at an early age what I do everyday. I had a lot of opportunities to improve my teaching techniques and model my teachers during play. I am thankful that my mom encouraged my play by continuously supplying me with chalk and erasers. (To this day, she doesn't know how I could go through a box of chalk so fast!) Now, I am doing what I loved to do since I was a child. My play has become my reality.
Looking at my childhood, I realize how important play is for children today. We truly do show who we are when we play. We discover our interest and what makes us happy, which eventually leads to our occupations. If we don't give children these experiences, how will they know who they are? It is my hope that young children will be more involved in active play. They will put down the video games and use their imaginations to transform reality. Only then will they discover who they are.
Hi Krista
ReplyDeleteI guess playing school was really huge, I did not have anyone to play with but my dolls and cats so I really enjoyed really with them. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher from when I was young.
i have an eleven year old who I cannot drag from in front of the television. I remember when we we little we use to play all day until I mother would come out to get us. Today children do not jump rope, play ball or ride bikes like we did. Parents must really enjoy realize the importance of play and the benefits of play
Hello Krista,
ReplyDeleteI believe that playing school was a activity that all children liked to do. This was a way that you had the opportunity to pretend to be the teacher. It was fun and we enjoyed it. Kids today are more insider, than outsiders. I agree children do need to put the games, ipaads, and ipods down and get more active.
Hi Krista,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. I always wanted a chalkboard easel:) I believe that was a great way to imitate teaching. Play is a great way to think about what you really want to become in life and prepare for it; your pretend play became reality. Play contributes to chilren goals.
Hi Krista,
ReplyDeleteWhen I first saw your pictures on your blog I smiled. It made me think about how much I enjoyed writing on the chalk board and playing school when I was younger. I remember wanting to write on the chalkboard in my actual school classroom too. Just like you, I hope that children rediscover play too. They truly are missing out on so much!