“I believe that play is as fundamental a human disposition as loving and working.” -David Elkind
How often do our kids play?
My guess is not often enough. Somehow play has become a bad word in education. It’s equated with wasting time, and often allowed only if there is extra time after all the “important” things are done or used as a reward for good behavior that kids can earn. Play – where kids are running the show, imagining, creating and playing with no other purpose than pure enjoyment, is seriously lacking in our schools. Despite decades of research showing the importance of play, it continues to be pushed out of schools, and unfortunately, replaced by test preparation and structured lessons that push kids towards meeting benchmarks and objectives. We ask so much of our youngest children (and our oldest too), that we sometimes forget what they need is more play in their young lives. I truly believe it can only help with attitude, motivation and enjoyment. Where can you add play into your day? Think about it.
How often do YOU play?
I remember my childhood days being filled with creating new worlds under the pine tree across the street, hours of swinging on the rope swing in the backyard until I was dizzy, and pretending to be one of Charlie’s Angels as I raced down the sidewalk on my roller skates. I still love to play today – although my play looks a bit different now. The demands of teaching are so time-consuming. I could spend 12 hours at school a day and another 5 working at home and still not feel caught up. And those weeks when I find myself doing that, I am not a happy person. I need to play. I need to run, bike, hang out with friends, play fetch with my dog and simply enjoy playing for the pure pleasure that play brings. Everyone’s play looks different. To some, running 14 miles on a trail is NOT playing. For me, it’s the ultimate in play. Whatever play looks like for you, make sure you put it in your life, every day. We need play.
And if we need play this much, don’t you think our children not only deserve it – but need it – too?
Wow! So powerful….I think my kiddos and I both need a little more play…
Can’t wait to hear more about your play class.
Enjoyed your comments. The memories of playing with my own children live on — we still play as adults. Had some fun on Wii the other night at Jodie and Wade’s playing with my old principal and her husband, did a crossword puzzle at breakfast with them, took a hike, and lots of bridge! Never too old to play.
THANKS again, Katie! Your wise words always come at the perfect time! Less FCAT…more FUN…happier classroom for everyone!