― J.M. Barrie (goodreads.com, 2012).
Children have always learned and created places for themselves through play.
Donna R. Barnes
Contemporary American psychologist (thestrong.org, 2012).
My mom supported my play by allowing me to express myself in play and not sheltering me from interacting with others. I often played alone, I didn't have any siblings in the house and the few friends I did have left after a while.
Play today from what I can remember from my childhood has some similarities and differences. Children have the freedome to explore and be creative, toys such as the barbie head are coming back for children to enjoy. The only sad part is more children are involved in violent play or imagination. There are more violent cartoons and toys for children nowadays. Back when I was growing up we played and fought, but we weren't violent. I hope that children can learn to play without being so violent. I personally don't like my students to play superhero's, they become so involved in the character, they hurt one another. I also hope children can learn to enjoy one another's creativity and explore the world of play as they learn.
I believe play has a major role in childhood and adulthood. Play never grows old, it doesn't matter how old one is, it never grows old. It seems the older one gets, the more important play becomes.
References
The goodreads. (2012). Quotes about growing up. Retrieved from http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/growing-up.
The strong. (2012). Play quotes. Retrieved from http://www.thestrong.org/about-play/play-quotes.
Without a doubt play is not the same as it used to be when I was a child. I hardly see children riding a bike, instead they are at the mall with their cell phones. It is funny that we now pay money for our kids to have recreational activities such as soccer, baseball, T-ball, or whatever it is. Back in the days, we would beg our mom and dad to go outside and play.
ReplyDeleteI love your picture of the cabbage patch doll! I remember playing with dolls and imagining that they were my students. You're right...children today are more violent and "petty". It would take a lot for us to actually get into a fight. Now all the children want to do is stay inside and play video games. So sad.
ReplyDeleteMemories! I LOVED the Cabbage Patch dolls!!! Just like you, my mom encouraged play. On the weekends, we'd better not try to sleep in too late. She'd make us get up and enjoy the day (not that I had a problem with playing anyways though). Unfortunately, nowadays, kids don't play like they use to.
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