“My Connections to Play”
When I was a child, play was not discussed because it was
better known as a Reflex. Generally if a
child was not at school or having to complete chores, the reflex to them being
at home was playing. Play when I was a
child was better known as a natural instinct for being a child. When I was a
child play was highly encourage by people. We would play all day and not be
tired, bored, hot or etc… And even when we were thirsty we would often drink
from the outside water spout and continue to play as long as we were in the
house before dusk.
Today, I feel that play is very different from the play in
which I was engaged in as a child. I also feel that play, that is, “real play”
is almost extinct and much like an endangered species. My hope for today’s youth is that play will
be taken more seriously and reincorporated back into society, within our
communities, and school. I feel that
this would eliminate a lot of social stressors.
Many children are treated like caged animals and have no outlet. I feel that we as a society have failed the
children of our era. I think more play
would help with bullying, teen suicide, and cyber bullying (yes, technology has
changed but, if our children were playing more and not on the internet as much,
they would not have time to bully people), health and issues associated with
the lack of exercise. This blog post has
encouraged me to promote a bring back “real play” in my community and city
movement.
I believe that play has encourage me to be who I am today.
Not to say that it was not happening but, bullying, and teen suicide was not as
prevalent during my childhood to teenage years.
I attribute much of this to playing.
The children of my era also knew how to get along with one another as we
were outside laughing and having fun all day.
No days, it is unfortunate that some children within neighborhoods who
live not even 50 feet from one another, don’t even know the names of the
children next door to them. Teachers and doctors often indicate that children
need to be medicated for being too active, not being able to interact properly
with other children, or climbing the walls in the classroom and at home. Yet, these say children that we medicate with
meds to slow them down, or send them to ISS(In school suspension) is a simply
tactic to not be bother or address the problem with the lack of play and
activities to release extra energy. I
believe play is to life as the lungs or to breathing.
References:
http://plumproductionsinc.com/images/children-playing-outside-quotes-5311.jpghttp://izquotes.com/quotes-pictures/quote-play-is-often-talked-about-as-if-it-were-a-relief-from-serious-learning-but-for-children-play-is-fred-rogers-156832.jpg
Neketha love your post!
ReplyDeleteToday's favourite word for children is "bored" and is sometimes tempted to ask why? Though it seems they are surrounded with all of the latest technology devices I believe they are missing out on what we grow up with 'freedom to roam and explore". and have fun!
It is so unfortunate that young people seem to be dealing with issues today that would was far removed from our everyday existance. Research indicates that play reduces mental stress on children but if children are not allowed to particpate in activities called play then we will be faced with children and young persons with many health concerns.
Mary
Hi Neketha,
ReplyDeleteI loved your post as well. You made some very interesting comments about how children are treated like "caged animals". I agree because it seems as if many parents today would rather their child be in the house reading or on some kind of technology device than outside with their friends or neighbors running around and getting exercise. What good are parents doing by keeping their child in the house? The child is certainly not learning how to socialize and be a team player, these are important lessons children learn at a young age.
Thanks
Rose
Wow! You brought back so many memories of my childhood. I wished the children of today could enjoy the "real art of playing.
ReplyDelete