-David Elkind
"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
These are two of my favorite quotes. Today there are far too many ideas about play simply being play. This could not be further from the truth. Play is one of the most important things that parents and teachers can provide children with. It is through this play that kids are able to explore, research, and find out about their world and what goes in to it. Play is how they learn to interact with other kids, adults and their world. Play needs to be a number one priority.
This is what fuels my passion for early childhood education. I want to provide children and families with a place that they can play. A place where kids are able to be kids while in an environment that is safe and allows them to grow and learn every day. We sometimes forget that these things are luxuries not requirements in life. Play is something that I was given when I was a kid. I got to makes messes and explore what is around me. I can see how that has impacted my life today. I still love to explore new things and learn new information. That is something about me that will never change.
Proof that I was allowed to explore even from a young age :)
Kassie,
ReplyDeleteFroebel's quote is one of my favorite quotes as well. I truly believe it the quote. One of the great joys in my toddler classroom is that we base our curriculum on learning through play. We facilitate the learning experiences but allow the children to explore. I am always surprised when a child develops his or her own play experience beyond what was originally started. One example is a boy (his mom was expecting twins) decided to play with a doll one day while we were having a tea party. He was so loving and nurturing to the doll and called the doll his baby. His mom was so excited because he was expressing these characteristics due to the new babies coming into the house. Children do have some incredible ideas!
Kassie,
ReplyDeleteI always welcome the opportunity to explain the value of play when parents comment by saying, "all you do is play all day?" Children learn through play and free exploration. This is one of the reasons that I am so drawn to early childhood. I love to play with my children and I believe that if more adults were to play, they would be so much happier and stress free.
Hi Kassie,
ReplyDeleteI love your baby pictures!!! I agree with you. Play is very important in children's lives because this is how they learn. I believe that children need to play. Play is very important to a child's healthy brain development. Play also support children's physical, social, and emotional development. Some families and educators do not understand the value of play. Children should always have the opportunity to play.