My Connections to Play

The true object of all human life is play. Earth is a task garden; heaven is a playground- Gilbert K. Chesterton

Play energizes us and enlivens us. It eases our burdens. It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens us up to new possibilities- Stuart Brown, MD

 

I remember always enjoying playing with playdoh and using my imagination to the fullest, attempting to form the best model, and I would become so proud of myself for trying my best and creating new objects. The bright colors drew my attention and it held my concentration for hours.

 

Jump rope was something that brought neighborhood kids together. We would sing while jumping the rope. It was a great way for us to work together and to enjoy play.

Fantasy play was the best. I remember playing dress up with my sisters and we would imagine ourselves being a person that we looked up to at that time. I also remember singing with my hair brush, deeming the lights, and singing in the mirror as if I was Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston performing at a concert.



        My parents supported play and encouraged my siblings and I to venture the outdoors. We would stay outside for hours being creative and exploring. We had a clubhouse; in which, we would ride our bikes to the store and buy junk food to have parties. I remember building volcano's out of dirt and using vinegar and baking soda to create lava. All the children in the neighborhood would get together to race, play basketball, play hide and seek, football, etc. We were able to enjoy the meaning of play and learned from our experiences as well.
        Play is different today than it was when I was a young child. Children are more excited to play video games and to watch TV, then they are to breathe the air outdoors. I rarely see children playing in order to increase their imagination. Children are not as adventurous or exciting to discover new things that the outdoors have to offer.
        The role of play throughout life changes because as we grow from children to adults, we forget how happy and how enlightening play is. I strongly believe in playing even as an adult. As adults we work so hard attempting to be responsible and taking care of our duties; however, there will be no fun in only working hard and not playing just as hard. There should be balance in our life, so I encourage all to incorporate play in their world. We need to be reminded how we use to be and how play brought happiness in our lives.

RELATIONSHIP REFLECTION

 

Relationships are important because it helps to build confidence and it displays love; and that is the greatest gift of all.

 

My mother is a person who I admire and I have a strong positive relationship with as well. She has been an inspiration and a way maker throughout my life. I have seven siblings and as a child my mother returned to school to complete her degree for nursing to care for her family. As a young child I would see her constantly pushing through the struggles and hardships. I adored that about her because without knowing, by observing her she taught me and showed me how to depend on myself and to never stop striving until I get what I am striving for. My mother is very encouraging and she has always motivated me to gain a higher education and to be a woman who is strong, independent, wise, and able-bodied. As a young child I did not understand why she worked so hard. However, after having my own son, I understand the love, affection, and security that she wanted to provide for me. The relationship that I share with my mother is unconditional love. Relationships must have trust, love, respect, and support in order for it to be effective and to have an impact. My mother has faced many of challenges; however, because our relationship is so strong and sincere, we have stood together even closer to jump over hurdles.

My neices and nephews are my world. I have attempted to be a great aunt for them all, because I feel as though it is my duty to help them and support them to make sense of the world. It is amazing because not only have I impacted their lives, but they have also made a difference in my world. I know that family make a difference in the lives of children; for example, socially and academically. Therefore, I will continue to be involved in their lives and development to ensure that they will have the opportunities and support to prepare them in their future.

 

I will strive to continue to build relationships/partnerships as an effective early childhood professional by guiding children's learning and building support amongst several relationships as well. As educators we must take the responsibility to reach out and to play a role in children's development.