- "Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child's soul" By Fredrich Froebel "Father of Modern Kindergarten"
- "You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation" By Plato
Playground Rubber Balls
Jump ropes
When I was growing up my mother always told me kids should be kids not in the house watching t.v. or up under grown-ups. We had no choice but to go outside. Play was important to us because we actually would play all day. I would pretend I was a princess with long hair and my sisters and I would use sheets for our hair. We would use items like boards, wood, bricks, sheets, and tools to make a clubhouse and pretend it was our house. Whatever we could use to build or make we just about maid it. As a child you explored everything around you and the world to me was our playground to learn.
Play today is different because children now rather stay in the house and play video games, watch t.v, talk on the phone, or get on the computer. No physical activity at all except working their fingers and talking to their friends. I know back then we didn't have all the technology we have now. Parents actually made their children play outside and in school physical activity was a must. I remember playing before school started, after lunch, and another recess during the day. Now children get to school just in time for breakfast then straight to class, then lunch, and a slight 15 minute recess that's if weather permitted and I know in some states when it would rain or snow you still had to do some type of exercise or activity rather it be basketball, volleyball, jump rope or walk around the indoor basketball court.
For me I would like to see physical activity taken more serious and enforced more in school. Children need an out lit and running, playing, jumping, and socializing is part of a healthy development. Today as an adult I still like to play, I jump rope with my children, and I showed my children how to play and make Chinese jump ropes out of rubber bands.
Play is a way for children to explore the world. It is their first discovery of sensation movement, language,and their surroundings. Play is an essential part of a child's development and being able to play freely enables them to learn invaluable life skills such as:
- Socializing
- Learning about themselves and others
- Problem solving
- Using their imagination
- Work cooperatively
- Follow instructions
Great quotes! I quoted Froebel too. Plato's quote is so true. You can tell how competitive, fair, patient and most of all fun a person is by playing with them. The jump rope reminded me of the energy expended just jumping and how it was a way to include lots of people. The swings brought back memories of sitting next to my friend talking and swaying back and forth with no cares in the world. When we look at those activities now we can see the gross motor skills and social emotional skills being developed.
ReplyDeleteIt is so true that physical activity is missing in schools! Recess and physical education are gone in many elementary school. How can such an important factor in life be "not in the budget"?! Now we are seeing the consequences, childhood obesity. Children need physical activity for their healthy development.
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