My connection with play


            




“it’s a happy talent to know how to play’’-Ralph Waldo Emerson

‘’Play is our brains favorite way of learning’’-Dianne Ackerman

‘’Play is the work of the child’’-Maria Montessori

I had a very playful childhood full of many fun memories. I lived with my grandmother in a small town. It was a family house built on a large expanse of land, a lot of green area, many trees and fruits. I spent a lot of time outdoors, climbing trees, tasting fruits and just running around. My grandmother supported play, I was allowed outdoors as much as possible and was not scolded when I came back indoors all looking dirty. I remember several minor accidents hurting myself while at play, but the next day I was out and about again. I didn’t have fancy toys but I had the opportunity to explore and experiment with my environment. I believe that’s where self-discovery starts. I am grateful that as a child I had the opportunity for fresh air, lots of space to run around, organic fruits to eat and most especially for the freedom of unhindered play.
Today’s child may not be as fortunate, living in Lagos, Nigeria, I see that a lot of children spend most time indoors…. Space and Security being some of the factors. In a metropolitan city, many few houses barely have packing for cars, talk less of an outdoor play area for children, most children are indoors being babysat by the TV and technology. Today’s child is play deprived. Many adults don’t see the importance of play and too many fancy toys are distracting children from creating their own play. Unhindered Play allows children to use their creativity, to develop their imagination, gives them physical and emotional strength and an opportunity to interact with the world around them.
Children learn how to play by themselves when they are given the opportunity to do so, it need not be taught. Our role as adults is to provide a conducive environment for children to play and they will create their play. They will turn an empty cartoon to a moving train, use an old bowl as a funny hat, and turn an old sock into a puppet. 
This is where creativity and innovation is born.

This is where self-discovery starts…….at play

Let our children play

Bring back play!!!



Comments

  1. Meosha Mitchell1 April 2018 at 13:15

    "Go outside and play" has become a foreign phrase. I loved playing outside when I was little girl besides I didn't have toys to entertain me. Your childhood seem to have been very exciting especially having all that green pastures and fresh fruit. We had to sneak in people yards to get plums and pecans.

    We should continue to educate parents on the necessity of outdoor play. No matter how much we preach about screen time for children, we should not stop encouraging all types of play.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Gloria Williams1 April 2018 at 21:10

    I also spent time with my grandmother. We played together cards on her pourch and rode bicycles down the road. She enjoyed the outdoors and took me and my sisters with her to play tennis and fishing.

    ReplyDelete

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