My Connections to Play!

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

"In play a child always behaves beyond his average age, above his daily behavior.  In play it is as though he were a head taller than himself." -Lev Vygotsky

My parents both encouraged play in different ways.  My dad encouraged me to build by making drawings and creating them.  He is a very literal-type player.  My mom encouraged play that involved nature.  We lived in the country and I would map maps, go on hikes, build forts, and play adventurer.  My sister is 3 years older than me and I idolized her.  She did not particullary enjoy being outside.  She liked dolls, playing house, and drawing.  I loved interacting with others.  Growing up, I particullarly enjoyed painting, building, and being outside.  I was also a pretty literal player. 

Times have changed a bit since I was little.  Technology is everywhere.  While I think that there can be some educational benefits to electronic games, it can allow the child to not use their entire creative ability or social skills.  Families are very busy.  Organized sports are starting at a very young age.  In some cases, these organized sports have taken the place of playtime. 

I hope that young children are encouraged to play and use their imagination.  I hope that children are encouraged to play in various ways other then their preferred way.  For example, my oldest son, Noah, is a very imaginative player.  He loves to create new themes for play and use toys for various other ways other than their purpose.  Our little neighbor boy, Ty, is a few months older than Noah.  Ty is a very literal player.  I think that it is great to watch them interact and push each other to play in various forms. 

Photos:  (These are examples of things that I enjoyed doing as a child!)
Noah, Owen, and Ella playing outside and enjoying each other! 
Noah loves play-doh! 
The boys playing with my old Legos.
Ella playing babies. 
Owen playing with his blocks and trucks.   

Play has given me adventures that I may never actually experience in my lifetime.  It allowed me to learn social skills, build friendships, create new ideas, and become comfortable being by myself.  As an adult, I try to encourage my children to play in various ways.  Noah is very imaginative.  Ella loves to play babies and make-believe.  Owen loves order in his play.  He loves to line up trucks and stack blocks.  All of my kids like to play outside and I enjoy watching them learn!