“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing”
- George Bernard Shaw
As I read through many quotes related to play I had a difficult time finding one that related to me at this point in my life, then I read this one and immediately knew it summarized what I felt. I try to include play, recreation, leisure time activity however you want to label, in my life whenever possible. Some of the things that are important to me have been part of my life for years. My favorite place that comes to mind when I think of play is the beach, add some palm trees and I am happy. We took summer vacations at the beach when I was a child. It was something I always looked forward. I enjoyed building castles, searching for shells and sea glass and watching the birds. Strange as it may seem, as an adult, I continue to enjoy doing those same things.
As a child, we spent our time outside of school and the summers outside. We played traditional games of hop-scotch and jump rope. Through these activities I was able to stay physically fit. I grew up in a neighborhood with lots of children my age so there was always someone around to play with. We made our own fun with very simple things. Growing up, nothing beat a good game of flash light tag during the summer.
Sadly, I don’t see children today participating in these simple games or just playing outside. Children today seem to have forgotten how to entertain themselves in many cases. Instead, they sit in front of the TV or computer. As a child the pretend games we played added to my level of creativity. I must admit, neighborhoods were safer back then. It was safe for children to play in the alley behind their homes. In many neighborhoods in my community today, that is not the case.
The other quote I decided to use is as follows:
Play is the highest form of research.
- Albert Einstein
For children play provides opportunities to explore, try new things and be self directed in their choices. Einstein puts it so simply yet the notion is powerful. Play is children’s research in many ways. Play opportunities change as children grow and their abilities change. Throughout my life, I was fortunate to live in a safe neighborhood with many peers. I also lived close to a playground that had swings and slides as well as open ball fields. I think my love of the outdoors stems from the amount of time I spent outdoors growing up.
References:
http://planningwithkids.com/2009/04/14/10-quotes -on-the importance-of-play
I enjoyed reading your post. If you like the beach and palm trees I live in your playground! Down in Florida we are blessed to live about fifteen minutes from many beautiful beaches. We enjoy taking our family there where my husband usually digs a large hole in the sand that creates a kiddie pool. Many other kids on the beach come closer and closer, until finally they join our own kids splashing in the little pool. I am very blessed to have married a man who enjoys playing all the time. I grew up an only child and played many solitary type games, one of which was office. To this day I have a passion for administrative type work!
ReplyDeleteSarah,
DeleteYou are very fortunate in many ways! Hopefully , at some point in my life, I will be able to spend winters in Florida. It really is interesting to reflect on those things from our childhood that we bring forward to adulthood. I share your passion for administrative work. As I thought about it, I was an organizer even as a child.
Judi
Judi,
ReplyDeleteYou and I have much in common from our childhood. After reading your blog, you made me realize that because of having the experience of being outdoors as a child,I also have a passion for the outdoors as an adult. I love to be in nature, camping, the beach, driving or walking through the wilderness, rain and storms, and snow. It is my hope that my children also will grow up to love the outdoors and pass it on... Thank you for sharing about your childhood.