My Connections to Play

Its Playtime!

QUOTES  

Children have always learned and created places for themselves through play.

Donna R. Barnes
Contemporary American psychologist

When children pretend, they’re using their imaginations to move beyond the bounds of reality. A stick can be a magic wand. A sock can be a puppet. A small child can be a superhero.

Fred Rogers
American children’s television host
1928–2003

My childhood was a place in my life where I can remember being carefree, happy and unconcerned with adult issues. I can remember even in school up to the fifth grade us students having recess twice a day! Once at about 10 a.m. and the other occurring right after lunch.  We kids would just rip and run until we were out of breath. What fun! Tag and kickball were the favorite games of choice on the playground.

During the summers my days were spent riding bikes with my friends…..all day and not returning home until dinner time. My parents were friends with the other parents in the neighborhood so there was never a problem about the house where I was hanging out. Not at all like the times of today. Barbie dolls were staples of toy things and plenty of dress up acessories to pretend with were a necessity.

A Reflection on Relationships

Relationship Reflection

Relationships and partnerships are very important. Contrary to how our society guides us at times, humans were never meant to be independent of one another; we are interdependent.

My most fufiling relationships are of course with my family.

·        I have a special relationship with my Husband. Not only are we life partners we are friends. I have learned much from him and he in turn has learned from me.

·        My daughters bring me much joy! They are energetic, thoughtful, compassionate, and talented people. They sing together and have beautiful voices.

Extended relationships fulfill professional and spiritual callings.

·        My church family offers support by outreach into areas that society may forget to care about. As a member of this group, a sincere effort must be made to maintain relationships by consistent communication and fellowship. A lot can be accomplished if everyone pulls together to support one another.

·        My educational peers both through this class experience and where I teach are important as we share teaching strategies and information with each other. Meetings outside of class time at the school allow us to contribute information for the good of the school.

We all get caught up in the business of life. It is important to set aside time to cultivate relationships within and outside the various sectors we are involved in.

I have begun to reach out to organizations to form networking opportunities for the welfare of early childhood. One such organization is the Children’s Defense Fund. I am looking to gain valuable information, insight, and guidance to be an effective child advocate in my community.