"My Connections to Play"

"Play is our brain's favorite way of learning."
Diane Ackerman, Contemporary American author

"Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning."

Fred Rogers, American television personality, 1928–2003

Play was supported tremendously in my childhood.  During my entire childhood, I was fortunate enough to have a play room.  This was a separate room, which was located down the hall from my bedroom.  I can remember spending numerous hours just playing! I had a dramatic play kitchen area, China tea set, pots, pretend food, my fabulous wonder horse (it made all the sounds of a horse, trotting, galloping, everything!), my milking jersey cow, easy bake oven, my Barbies, my Baby Alive, Baby Magic, Walking Doll, my Barbie head, puzzles and many more.  My friends would come over and play in the play room with me, as well.  My parents allowed me to enjoy my childhood and provided me with many opportunities to enter and create my "own" world within my play room.  When I have a child, I am going to do the same thing for him or her. They also taught me that it was my space and that I had to keep it clean, as well. I am pretty sure, as a matter of fact, I know I never cleaned it spotless like an adult would have; however, I was learning the concept of responsibility and taking care of property.  As I grew older, my parents home was the one that everyone in the neighborhood visited.  After homework was finished, everyone would make it to my house and we would play kickball in the yard.  We would play until dawn everyday! 

Play is very different today, as the majority of play involves digital media and watching television.  Children are so absorbed into hand-held games, X-Box's, online activities and fewer outdoor play games.  This is very different because when I was a child, I feel that I had more "hands on" experiences with toys (puzzles, cooking pretend food, making mud pies, easy bake oven, playing outside, lots of outdoor play).  I did not feel like I "had" to be entertained, as I was comfortable exploring the toys and activities that I had in my possession.  My hope is that toy companies would place more emphasis on toys that allow children to imagine, explore and strengthen their curiosity.

The role of play throughout my childhood was critical in the person that I have become today.  It is quite funny, because as I was working on this assignment, I noticed that all of my play experiences are connected directly to my present hobbies, which are cooking, hair styling, reading, interior decorating, hosting event gatherings and fashion.  I believe that through play, I was able to discover my interests, my likes, as well as, dislikes.  Who knew that this would transcend into my adult life? lol...Play is what makes us all "tick"...it enables us to have those rich, "aha" moments, even as adults.


http://www.thestrong.org/about-play/play-quotes