Connections to Play

My Connections to Play




Quote one

Children do not play for a reward-praise, money, or food. They play because they like it.

~Francis Wardle (2007)



Quote two

Mostly, we need to honor the innate capacity for learning that moves the limbs and fills the souls of every healthy young child.

~Joan Almon (2002)



Pictures of common play items









Who supported my play?

When I was a child, my mother encouraged play. She always made time to play with me and followed my lead no matter what else was going on. Even as a young child she made me feel that, what I was doing was important whether it was pretending to fish or playing in the sand, because she made time for it and participated in it.



Children’s Play

I think that play has changed from when I was a child. Back then, we used many imaginative items. Although we had toys, we did not have to have a specific toy for everything. My favorite play items were found or natural items that I pretended were something else. I do not know if children can do this now.

Play now

As I grew older, I continued to play and still do as often as I can. While the format and schemes of play has changed, it is still important to find ways to escape, refuel, and contemplate new ideas.

Relationship Reflection

Having relationships is extremely important in this world. I have been very fortunate in having meaningful relationships with family and friends. The most important relationship that I currently have is my relationship with God. He is the one that knows me better than any other and even in my faults, He loves me anyway. I strive to maintain and even improve this relationship by trying to follow His word and living life.

Another important relationship that I have is with my sister and brothers. We are all very close and although we do not see things the same way most of the time, we are capable of being there for each other when we are needed. Our mother passed away two years ago and as horrible as that experience was in some ways it brought us together like never before.

Another important relationship I have is with my children, my students. It is amazing to me the light, love, honesty, and creativity that young children are able to show I look forward every morning to their laughter, brilliance, and comedy routines. I feel that I have such a great relationship with my children because they know that I will be there for them and they trust me to do the right thing by them.

I am also blessed to have a close relationship/partnership with my assistant. We are honest, open, and there for each other. My assistant, Mrs. Patti, feels the same way that I do about the children in our room and education in general.

Again, relationships are very important. I believe that all relationships require time, honesty, compassion, and some sort of shared interest to be successful.