"My Connections to Play"

Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning....They have to play with
what they know to be true in order to find out more, and then they can use what they
learn in new forms of play.

--Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood

Play is a major avenue for learning to manage anxiety. It gives the child a safe space
where she can experiment at will, suspending the rules and constraints of physical and
social reality. In play, the child becomes master rather than subject.... Play allows the
child to transcend passivity and to become the active doer of what happens around her.

--Alicia F. Lieberman, author, The Emotional Life --

of the Toddler

"My Connections to Play"

When I was growing up I had so many people in my life that supported play in my life. I remember going to my Aunts house every summer. When we got there she would give us $20 and told us we can buy anything in the store, but do not go over. That was my first lesson in math (money).  I use to go over my neighbor’s house and play with my best friend when I was four. Her mom would set out blocks on one end of the room.  We would have to get them and run to the other side of the room and match them accordingly; blue circles, red squares, purple hearts, etc…

I believe that learning through play is completely different now.  I think daycares are focusing more on sitting children in chairs and teaching them. I believe there is a time and place for everything. I remember interning at a daycare when I was 14, I had so much fun. We played all day long. When I interned at a daycare for my undergrad it was completely different. The children played but it wasn’t the same.  I believe that children at a younger should be able to explore through play.  This is the best way I feel a child will learn or figure things out. Schools are eliminating recess and focusing more on desk learning. How can a child use their imagination if they are being taught what to believe? When I was growing up no one told me what to believe I learned it through play.  When children play it is natural, why not include learning.  I hope when I open my daycare I will continue to allow children to learn through play.

I have such wonderful memories as a child. I remember playing all day long. My mom would ask me what did I do at school and I would tell her I played. That’s all I could remember, but when I finished kindergarten I was at a first grade level in math and reading. My children are in middle school and they would come home singing songs about preposition. They would also come home with math board games.  I believe that children going through adult hood will always learn through play. Play is in our nature, so we should embrace it and have fun while learning.

HAPPY PLAYING!!!

RELATIONSHIP REFLECTION

RELATIONSHIP REFLECTION

Relationships are important to me because they help me to become the person I am meant to be in life. Relationships help keep me grounded and loved.

My children, sisters, Elementary Pastor and childhood friends are just a few positive partnership/relationships in my life.

Being able to openly communicate with my children and being honest is one of the healthiest things I’ve done in my life. My children are older and I can’t just say to them “Do as I say”. That doesn’t work anymore, I have to be able to listen to them when they are frustrated, angry and happy.  This will allow me to create and maintain my relationship with my children. 

Growing up with siblings I was more known as the quiet one.  I really didn’t know how to communicate with them and we didn’t hang out as much. Now that I’m older, I’ve learned that my two sisters’ are my rock and they will do anything for me. I’ve learned to develop a bond where we are here for one another.   

My Elementary Pastor at my church has been such an encouraged foundation for me and my children. Even though he is not my children’s Pastor, but he has created a relationship to where my children can come to him openly.  He has showed me many different ways to communicate with my children and the children at my church.  He is a constant encouragement in my ear. He always has time for me and my children for fun or one on one.

  There is nothing like having your childhood friends still in your life as an adult. This group of people, I have created relationships that I will always maintain and we will continue to grow daily. Having friends that I have known for thirty-three years of my life is priceless. This group of friends will tell you how it is and will not sugar coat anything. Some things you may not want to hear but you need to hear. We have created a relationship of love, positive enforcement and communication that is much needed in my life.

Some of the challenges I face to maintaining these relationships are being able to hear things that I don’t want to hear. I have learned throughout the years that my friends, family and loved ones will tell me things that can only make me stronger in life. 

A special characteristic I see in each relationship I have created in my life is honesty. If you can’t be yourself around your group of people you’ve allowed in your circle/life, then you’re really being the person God meant for you to be.

Working in the childhood profession and my experience with relationship/partnerships go hand and hand. If you are up front with the parents and communicate with them and children will allow you to let them know what you expect up front. Listening to others who are able to help you help others are priceless. I believe working in the early childhood profession is one of the best rewarding jobs ever. I believe that you have to be open to change and realize that we can’t do this on our own.