My Connections to Play

“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” Kay Redfield Jamison (professor of psychiatry)

 

Tarry a moment to watch the chaos of a playground, crayola-colored shirts of running children, all trying out their wings. ~Dr. SunWolf, professorsunwolf.com

 

Three essential play items:

 

 

Ball

 

 

 Doll

 

 

 

 

                         

 Dress-up accessories

 

The people in my life supported play when I was younger but letting me play all the time.  They were an active part of my play time as well and allowed me to explore new things on my own and develop a love of certain things in my life.  My grandma was a big part of my support system in play, whenever I was with her she was always playing with me.  Sometimes this play included singing to me and laughing with me.

 

I think play today is seen as more meaningful and essential in children’s life then it was when I was younger. I also think there are way more learning based play items than before.  I feel children have a stronger grasp of meaningful play in the classroom.  I especially see this when using the Ipad.  You would think a piece of technology like this would be only used for senseless play but there are so many education apps that students love to play.  I hope that young children now see the importance of play but also play in a way to build upon something.  I would hope the children are engaged throughout play time as well.

 

I think play was very important in my life and allowed be to explore what I thought was important at the time and acquire a love of things in my life today.  Without the chance to play, I would not be who I am today.  If one is not allowed to play they because part of the “norm” and are seen just as someone else may be seen.  Playing allows the chance to become your own person and develop your own beliefs and love of life.

Relationship Reflection

Relationships are important to me because without them I wouldn’t be anybody.  I would not have any one to talk to or count on or confide in.  I love the relationships that I have and have built these relationships with strong will.  I feel that the strongest most confident people are those with positive relationships.

 

My first relationship that is the strongest is with my husband.  We have been together for over 8 years and married for over 3 years.  We have worked hard to have the relationship we do and have been through a lot together.  From a major car accident to our first child coming with much work and dedication, our relationship has only grown stronger throughout the years.  We have built our relationship around love and commitment to one another.

 

Another relationship I have is with my son.  He is my first born and is three months old right now.  We tried for many years for him and it resulted in us having to do IVF to have him.  My pregnancy was very complicated from the beginning and resulted in a two week hospital stay before he was born which is turn resulted in him being born 9 weeks early.  He spent 4 long weeks in the NICU but is thriving today!  He has brought the most joy and love to my life that I could ever imagine.

 

 

The relationship that I have with my guardian is another big one in my life.  My mother died in a car accident when I was 5 years old and she adopted me.  She was my babysitter when I was younger and has loved me like her own ever since.  She has been by side through thick and thin and continues to be a huge part of my life and now my son’s life.  Our relationship began when I was young but has becomes a deep friendship on top of the relationship we already had.

 

Relationships do not come easy.  There are going to be times when you fight or don’t get along or just need some time apart from one another.  But I believe that those things make the relationship stronger and more sustained to be successful for life.  Nobody is perfect and that is something you have to realize before any relationship is going to be life long.  Love and dedication is what makes a relationship a partnership.  I have these in all of my relationships and this love and dedication grow stronger and stronger everyday. 

 

I think all my relationships impact my career in the early childhood education field.  I especially feel that way based on my life experience with losing my mom and then the complications I went through to have my son.  Nothing in life is easy and all you need is a good support system to get you through.  This holds especially true in the classroom as students start to learn and grow with you.