“Play is not only our creative drive; it’s a fundamental mode of learning.” ~ David Elkind (psychologist, author)
“Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul.” Friedrich Froebel (founder of the concept of kindergarten)
In many ways play has stayed the same, children still go outside to run and jump, climb trees, play basketball and so on. The things that have changed are that children are not doing the outside play as much; this is due to the innovation of computers, internet, and video games. Children kind of play has changed they are not as physical as in the past. I am hopeful that families and teachers will encourage children to go back outside to become more physical and go back to the days when children dug holes in the back yard and climbed to the top of the highest trees.
I was never an outdoor child but I can remember being outside running and playing, laughing and having fun. There were always children on my street playing something, you may have a group jumping rope and another playing hide and go seek. I remember not ever having any worries or cares. It was a very freeing time. Even though it was a good experience for me, I didn’t give my nephew the opportunity to do the same, I never encouraged him to go out and play. I think it was the fear of what might happen to him. But as of a last year I started to encourage him to spend more time outside playing and he does.
I was not an outdoor kid either, but I enjoyed watching other kids playing on the playground, and now I still like to watch children running around on the playground, playing on the slides, playing in the sandpit. I just feel relaxed when I watching children having fun.
ReplyDeleteI love your quote about the fact that play is the highest form of expression of human development. In play, one is able to express oneself socially, emotionally, and of course physically.As on gets involved with play, you are able to act out many traits of development. I enjoyed a lot of outdoor game as a child in Africa. We run errands and so have opportunity to play outside the home.
ReplyDeletePlay is essential for total development and I think despite the technological advancement, outdoor play and all forms of play should be encouraged.
Please allow your nephew a fair share of play. It helps.
Great move in trying to encourage your nephew to play outside more, have you seen any increase in his activity?
ReplyDeleteItotally agree with you that play is not as physical. Technology has taken the plac eof play in so many ways. I can remember spending most of my days playing outside with noghing but a jump roope or or a ball and jacks.
ReplyDeleteI am happy you encouraged your nephew to play outside. Children need fresh air, socilization and free time to be creative and explore. I understand the world is not what it was when we were younger. If I am not out playing with my kids, I am usually watching and checking on them.
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