My Connections to Play

The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful.  Author:  E.E. Cummings

There are no blueprints for couch cushion forts.  Author:  Dee Ann Stewart from "What Spock Forgot"  

Those two quotes definitely tell a lot about what play represented in my childhood.  When I was very little we lived near the railroad tracks and people had dumped a lot of old things.  I spent a good deal of time back there playing on an old couch and making couch cusion forts.  I also used them inside, but my fondest memories are of the ones I found out back.  And what child doesn't like mud pies and splashing in puddles?!  I played with mud and splashed in puddles when I was a child, and I encouraged my own children to do the same! 

Here are some photos of essential play items for my younger self:

These are just like the hay bales I played with in our barn! 

Baby dolls were always a favorite!

This old couch reminds me of playing near the railroad tracks when I was a little girl.

Play was a big part of my childhood.  I am an only child, but I had cousins that were the same age.  My parents encouraged me to be friends with those cousins and when I entered school, I was encouraged to make friends and have them over or go to their house to play.  My mom would play with me when I was really little and my dad always played outside with me, especially in the winter.  I remember gathering up all my stuffed animals and several dolls and taking them across the street to "play" with our neighbor.  He was always kind to me and allowed me to take up his time.  He was probably in his 70's or 80's when I knew him.  When I was eight, we moved to where my parents still live.  There were several outbuildings and a large barn full of hay.  It was a great place to grow up and play.  I also remember having at least three recess's each day at school.  Boy, has that changed.  Our children are lucky to get outside time once a day and that is during their lunch period.  I also think that more parents are focused on the "learning" toys and videos instead of allowing their children to engage in free play.  There is also a greater focus on organized sports and children are getting involved with those at earlier and earlier ages.  My own children were encouraged to play and I joined in as much as I could and as much as they would have me.  They were also engaged in dance class, gymnastics, and soccer.  When we signed up, they were told that they had to complete the committment, but if they didn't want to do it again, they didn't have to.  I think more parents today focus on their child excelling and making money doing some of these activities.  I would like to see more children playing outside in neighborhoods and engaging in creative play.  I would also like to see schools providing more time for play, both outside and inside.  We worry about children being obese, but we've taken away their physical activity. 

Play was always important to me.  I am happy that I still get to play.  I also get to be creative in the art area and build amazing towers with blocks.  I get to run races and ride tricycles.  I love seeing the children enjoy the time they spend with me in the classroom and hearing them laugh and watching them play is amazing.  I believe that even as adults, we need to make time to play.  Have a pillow fight or dance in the rain, splash in those puddles and make mud pies.  My children are almost grown, and I am looking forward to being a grandma someday and doing all that stuff with my grandchildren!