"Play is our brains favorite way of learning."
Diane Ackerman
Diane Ackerman
"Children need the freedom and time to play.
Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity."
Kay Redfield Jamison
Kay Redfield Jamison
Growing up my parents encouraged me to go outside an play. I guess they knew how important it was to be creative in pretending and letting your imagination run wild. When I was younger I looked forward to playing with my dolls, balls, riding my bicycle, and pretending to be a teacher with my family, and friends. Electronic devices were not popular when I was growing up. We watched television but not as much as children growing up these days. There was nothing more important to me than going outside to play. I enjoyed and looked forward to playing everyday and if we made it home to late, or the weather was bad I would ask my parents if I would be able to play the next day and they assured me I would.
Play today is different than when I was little. We would go outside and physically play until the street lights came on and then it would be time for us to head home. Playing would include activities like swinging on the swings, playing in the dirt, hide and seek with friends, baby dolls, and riding bikes. Today children think playing nintendo, wii, ipods, and on computers is real play. Play consist of being physical, having social interactions, creativity, using imaginations, dexterity, and cognitive strengths.
Insight gained from the importance of play is that it helps with brain development. Play allows children to create and explore the world around them. Play has an ability to foster overall success in school and in life.
Ebony,
ReplyDeleteYou are very right we used to play outside until the street lights came on, but the difference now is we can not let our kids roam outside like we did then. Now you have to be outside with them and know exactly where they are. Back in my day we went for walks, caught lightening bugs, and no one had to worry about our well being. Very good post!
Yeah! Playing outside has always been of benefit for children. However, crime has increased that we have to watch our kids at all times when they go out-doors. I played outside most of the times because there was not technology when I grew up. We purchased our first television when I was going to turn 15 years old. My children have had technology even before they are born. However, I have guided their time and type of video-games so they can enjoy it and learn while play.
ReplyDeleteEbony,
ReplyDeleteI love your post. Do you feel that to change play from what it is now to how it was when we grew up requires educating parents or children or both?
How with the technologies today can we teach those whose paths we cross to get up, go out, and play?
I rememeber my grandmother saying, Get in here before the street lights came on. It brings back so many memories. I grew up at time and place of neighborhood watches. It was such a sense of community because everyone looked out for everyone else. Nowadays it's every man for themself. It's sad. If we could just go back to the good ol' days again.
ReplyDeleteYour blolg is very good children today does think playing ninitedo or on the computer playing games is ok but when children can go outside and use their motor skills and physical play it help them to develop in many ways. I like your post.
ReplyDelete