"Creative people are curious, flexible, persistent, and independent with a tremendous spirit of adventure and a love of play."- Henri Matisse
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| As a child I loved playing in the steam near our house. |
"Creative play is like a spring that bubbles up from deep within a child."-Joan Almon
My parents were advocates of imaginative and active play. My childhood involved countless hours of creative play. A majority of my play was outdoors. As a child I remember them doing things like building snow forts with me and exploring the woods behind our home.
I feel that play has changed so much since I was a child. Children today think of play as interactions with technology. Most children spend a majority of their free time either on the computer or watching movies. I feel that play today is less active and engaging. Children want to be entertained effortlessly, they don't want to have to work for it.
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| Nature was my playground. |
I love that quote by Joan Almon also! I see how you wrote about building forts as well. Actually, when I was writing this blog assignment I told myself I was going to introduce my nephews to building forts when we went to see them for the holiday. Thank you for sharing your views on play!
ReplyDeleteAngela,
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to your experience. I grow up playing outside most of my days, and with whatever I could get a hold of. My neighbors would take me home, watch me play and there is always someone watching. However, our societies have changed, the safety of children is at stake. Therefore, most children spend their time playing with computer and watching TV and active play is declining, which makes childhood obesity on the rise. As a parent I am always trying to find creative and stimulating play activities for my children, but it can be quite challenging to stick to the two hour or less recommended TV and Media time. That is why I think it is so important for early childhood program to engage in play because we can help decrease the effects of the lack of physical and creative play at home.
Great post! Do you feel as if parents are not supporting play as our parents did? I agree with your comment about the use of technology. Children want instant gratification today. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI truly enjoyed reading your post! I think it is so wonderful that your parents encouraged you to explore "the great outdoors!" My parents were from New York City so even though I was exposed to active play it was never outside. I am grateful that my husband has a similar background to you. He played in creeks and ran through the woods. I am excited to start a family so that my husband and I can expose our children to every aspect of play!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right! Children sometimes want to take the easy way out. Some are just content with you telling them what to do or play instead of being creative for themselves. Just this past week I taught my 5 year old neice how to play hopscotch while she was outside and said you didn't have anything to do.
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