My Connections to Play

"Play is a child's work and this is not a trivial pursuit." -Alfred Adler

"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood." -Fred Rodgers

Some images that represent play in my childhood:

I would love to spend my time playing board games and puzzles. Being an only child, putting a puzzle together was the perfect way for me to do an activity that just required me.

I was always active outside and when I got my first pair of roller blades that seemed to be what I always did whenever I ventured outside.

   Growing up I remember having lots of times to play both indoors and outdoors. Although I would have rather play outside. My parents were always encouraging me to play and to explore not only my toys but also the outside environments as well. It also helped that I grew up with a large yard and frequent visits to my Mema's farm. Since I am an only child I had a lot of alone time and played by myself but I always enjoyed when friends and cousins were able to come over and play with me. My parents also tried their best to play with me and play games with me when I was younger.

   I feel that play today is somewhat different from the play that I grew up with as a child. A lot of children that I know spend most of their "play time" indoors. I find that the older a child gets the less active the child becomes. Getting involved in media and video games is becoming more prevalent in children today. While I do see kids in my neighborhood playing outside it seems very rare and not an everyday event. I think it is important for adults to guide children to explore the outdoors and to steer away from all the electronic games. While playing these games are not necessarily horrible and completely bad, I do feel that limiting them can benefit the child greatly. Children should be able to explore the environments more at home and at school.

   I believe that play was a big part of my life when I was younger and I have benefited from it greatly. While I did not know it at the time, I was learning and understanding the world around me. It was a way for me to make lasting friendships, be self-confident, and express my creativity. I think having play be a big part in my childhood has helped me throughout my life.

Relationship Reflection

There are many people in my life that I have positive relationships with and that influence me greatly. Here are some great influential relationships in my life:

My husband, Brandon, is a great influence in my life. We have been together for 7 years and married for 2. He has taught me a lot about myself and what it means to be a better person. We know that our relationship cannot survive without certain factors. We continuously love each other and care for each other. We also have communication and trust which contributes to our relationship. Even though there are troubles and arguments which happen in every relationship we work through them and continue to love one another.

My parents were the earliest and most influential relationship that I have. They have taught me so much throughout my life and I am very grateful for all that they have done. For us to have a positive relationship there has to be trust and communication. Growing up my parents always encouraged me to try new things and to be myself. Of course through my teenage years I didn't always think they were right or knew what was best for me but as an adult I can see now that they tried their best to raise me in a way that they through would benefit me and my well-being.

Through these relationships I am able to learn and understand that each relationship takes work and effort to maintain. I have learned that through my personal relationships in life that certain elements contribute to that of my professional relationships/partnerships in the early childhood field. Communication, care, patience, trust, and other aspects contribute to a positive relationship in the early childhood profession. Having this positive relationship with children, colleagues, and families all ensure the well-being of children and their developmental growth.