My Connections to Play
I believe that play in my early childhood was very beneficial for me as I grew into an adult. Through play I learned that I could be anything or anyone that I wanted to be by using my imagination. I can remember riding my bike and pretending to be a school bus driver, stopping at different spots in my grandmothers yard to pick up students. I do not remember any adults in my play in my younger days before the age of ten I mainly played with my sister and cousins. I do remember my dad helping me to learn how to ride my bicycle without the trainging wheels. I lived with my grandmother and grandfather until the age of ten. We lived on a farm and when my sister and I played we were outside. When my cousins came over we were always outside while the adults were inside. The play I did mainly pertained to things that I saw in my environment. I had a kitchen set on my grandmother’s back porch my sister and I played with. We pretended to cook supper and cakes like my grandma. I do remember having the game called Merlin. This game was a hand held game that taught me to listen to sounds and watch the lighted areas in order to match the right sequence to win. I believe that play has changed from when I was I believe that play has changed from when I was younger. I think parents have become more aware of the importance of play and take part in their play. I also think that the play is different due to all the technology our children have today. I also can remember when I was younger that we could ride our bikes up and down the road and not have to worry about someone coming by and kidnapping us or offering us drugs. I feel that play is very important for children. I did not have that much to play with as a young child at my grandmothers, but I learned a lot by playing out in nature. I think this play is what leads to my love for animals and the outdoors. As I grew older my play lead to more games such as cards. My step mom taught me how to play many games that taught math skills. I think we can learn many skills through play at any age.
Here are some pictures of a kitchen set that is somewhat similar as well as the bicycle. The red game is called Merlin. Have any of you ever had the Merlin game. I think it is neat after my grandmother died this year we found the Merlin that my sister and I played with.
Quotes: Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning....They have to play with
what they know to be true in order to find out more, and then they can use what they
learn in new forms of play. --Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
The most effective kind of education is that a child should play amongst lovely things.” Plato
I agree with you, technology has taken the use of physical play out of our children. I know playing the Wii extends some physical movement, communication skills, and family involvement but what it does not give is enjoying, smelling, touching and seeing the environment in which we love.
ReplyDeleteYes, Technology has certainly changed over the years. I remember the days before Internet. I also remember playing outside until it got dark and riding my bike up and down the street without having to worry about being kidnapped. I do not remember Merlin, but I know when I was younger I used to play Simon. I would also play school, play with my dolls and take them for a walk in my sister's stroller. I also remember when I was younger I had a stuffed animal named Honey Bunny and everytime I went out she came with me. One time I left her at my grandparents house and my dad had to drive back at 3AM to pick up Honey Bunny because I would not sleep without her.
ReplyDeleteI loved being creative and am hoping that someday when I have children my children will be creative as well.
I remember the game Merlin. It was fun until someone broke it.
ReplyDeleteI spent time on a farm while both of my parents were working. Those were great times with my siblings. We were always outside playing or watching the cows being milked. We learned very fast to stay were the farmer told us to sit. My sister didn't listen one time and a cow stepped on her. She didn't get hurt to bad but we listen from then on. The farm was a great place to play and learn. I think I still love the smell of a farm because it brings back great memories.
I spent many weekends at my grandparent's house. My grandmother had a bowl of plastic fruit that she kept on the kitchen table. I can remember spending many hours pretending to cook up dishes with that simple little set of fruit. Many of my best memories growing up were spent playing at my grandparent's.
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