My Connections to Play

Imagining I was a child in a wooded area with hours to play was so exciting! What I know about play allowed me to vision what would be such a learning experience!

I would be in a wooded area with many materials. I would have a shovel (toy one, of course!) a pail, my companion baby doll, toy camera, and any other type of toy that would allow me to explore my world. My adult would be my Aunt, but her role would only be to ensure I was safe. I would spend my time exploring every part of the woods, from small crevices to open land areas. I would take pictures with my camera so I could show my parents about my journey when I arrived home! I would take my friend, who is a boy with me. We could learn how to explore together and solve many problems with one another! What fun we would have!!

“Play is the beginning of knowledge.” ~ Anonymous

What a true statement! A child begins learning through play, thus making it the beginings of knowledge! Watching a child solve a problem during play is such a remarkable experience! Watching their faces after they discovered something new is even more remarkable! Children need to learn to solve problems on their own, with adults as watchers, and not answer givers, so to speak! Through play, a child learns how to problem solve; social and emotional skills, as well as the ability to control their impulses.

“Almost all creativity involves purposeful play.” ~ Abraham Maslow

“Play is the highest form of research.” ~ Albert Einstein

I could not agree more! Maslow is absolutely correct! When we take play from our children, their creativity and imagination all but disappears! When a child is allowed to play, they can use whatever they want and take off with it. I have overhead many of my students using such wonderful, vivid imaginary creatures and imaginary aliens, etc. I refuse to take away that creativity! And, as Einstein stated, play is the highest form of research! Children learn everything they need through play!

I believe blocks are essential for children; they learn to use hand/eye coordination as well as their imagination. Many days, in the block center, my students will make letters we have learned out of the blocks. They are connecting that learning with their ability to use a concrete object.

The dramatic play center is a must in my classroom. Children can use their imagination and be whatever they want and do whatever they want! This is essential for creativity! As Einstein stated, play is the highest form of research; this center allows students to explore! They learn to control their impulses and use their social/emotional skills!

The math center is a MUST! Children can play and not realize just how much they are learning! Having the math center allows children to problem solve with concrete objects! It is amazing watching students see their own success when they solve a problem!

Play is such an essential for children. It allows them to use their creativity; allows them to be what they want to be and do what they want to do; it teaches the concept of problem solving as well as social/emotional skills. As an educator, I refuse to take that away from my students. I have seen the benefits of having play in my classroom and how wonderful it is! A child needs every opportunity available to increase their knowledge. I believe that knowledge is best attainable through play!

Relationships are important to me (now) because growing up there were only negative relationships. (If you will refer back to some of my blogs, you will read what I am talking about as far as relationships) There was no love or positive, healthy developments through relationships. 

However, when God blessed me with my wonderful daughter, I knew it was time to develop lasting relationships in life. When Madisyn was born, I knew my life would be totally different. God though enough of me to allow me to be a mother, so I knew I needed to instill positive relationships in my daughter. Unfortunately, her dad and I divorced when was she 4 years old, and I was afraid I had failed as far as relationships went. But, I was proven wrong because my daughter is the most compassionate, kind young lady I have seen. She has many healthy relationships in her life. Secondly, God blessed me with an amazing husband. He and I have 110% trust in each other, we love our amazing God, and we know we can count on each other. We have a wonderful relationship, but we also have a partnership. Everything we do has our marriage at the center of it. Each choice we make is centered around God, our marriage, and each other.

Here is a picture of the two most important people whom I have wonderful relationships with. This is my husband, Robert, and my daughter, Madisyn.

I also have wonderful partnerships with my students and their families. Unfortunately, due to laws, I am unable to post their picture. I would LOVE to show them off, but I cannot. However, I can discuss these partnerships. Each child and I have a relationship that is unlike any other relationship. First, I want each child to feel safe when they leave their home. I want them to know they are coming in to my room and I will keep them safe and secure. Secondly, I want each child to feel genuine love from me. I want them to know, through my actions and words, that I truly love them and want to do what is best for them. My students and I have a partnership of sorts because they understand I have a job to do, but they also know they have a job as well. We understand each other, we trust each other, and we work to complete our jobs. I have those partnerships with families, as well. I respect everything about them, including their beliefs, language, etc. I never show any sign of disrespect, and I always want to show parents I will do everything I can for their children.

Because I grew up without those positive relationships, I wanted to teach my daughter how to have that type of relationship with everyone. This was quite the task since I didn't know a lot of what a positive relationship really was. However, God showed me the way, and I had wonderful role models within my church and my amazing mother-in-law. By showing love and compassion and caring to others, those relationships form. I remember when my daughter was in the 2nd or 3rd grade and there was a young lady at school that no one really liked because she was different. Well, I am proud to say my sweet daughter became her friend, and she did not care who said anything or laughed about it. She stated to me that her friend had feelings and deserved to be loved just like everyone else. For me, this was a wonderful feeling because I knew I had aided in creating a compassionate, loving child. 

There must be trust in any relationship. Without trust, it will fail, period. I have learned, through many, many hard lessons that we need to trust those we have relationships with. Now, I do not mean our spouses or significant others, I am also referring to family members, friends, and our students. I would like to use my class as an example. Because preschoolers are so accustomed to staying home, sometimes they may cry when they come to school the first day. First, we must have a trust with the family members, but secondly, we MUST develop that trust with our students. For example, for about 5 weeks one of my students would cry for her mommy. She would break down if she even seen her big sister. Her mother had previously worked in a Head Start school and understood this was part of the developing and students would do this. Each day, I showed love and consoled my sweet student. After 5 weeks, she stopped crying and has NEVER cried since. I contribute forming a trusting, loving relationship as to why she is so comfortable in my classroom now. 

In order to be a more effective early childhood professional, I know I must have healthy partnerships with my students and their families. It is imperative that I never disrespect a family because of their beliefs or their home language; this will cause a family to totally shut down and lose trust and faith in you, thus causing difficulty to believe anything you say you will do for their child. Rather, I want to be positive and create that openness where families will come to me and begin asking questions and be actively engaged in their child’s education!

References:

Halgunseth, L., Peterson, A., Stark, D., & Moodie, S. (2009). Family engagement, diverse families, and    

            early childhood education programs: An integrated review of the literature. Retrieved from

http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/research/FamEngage.pdf

Laureate Education, Inc. (2010). Sectors in the Early Childhood Field. In Effective Programs and Practices.  

Retrieved frohttp://mym.cdn.laureate-  media.com/2dett4d/Walden/EDUC/6161/01/mm/sectors/index.html

Souto-Manning, M. (2010). Family involvement: Challenges to consider, strengths to build on. Young

Children, 65(2), 82–88.