Famous Quotes on Play
It is a happy talent to know how to play.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson, philosopher, poet, essayist
Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning....They have to play with
What they know to be true in order to find out more, and then they can use what they
learn in new forms of play.
--Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
Play is a major avenue for learning to manage anxiety. It gives the child a safe space
where she can experiment at will, suspending the rules and constraints of physical and
social reality. In play, the child becomes master rather than subject.... Play allows the
child to transcend passivity and to become the active doer of what happens around her.
--Alicia F. Lieberman, author, The Emotional Life --
of the Toddler
When I was growing up as a child, I was always on the go! From the time I woke up until the sun went down, I was outside running, riding my bike or playing group games with cousins and friends. I was encouraged, along with my peers, to be creative and imaginative. I still remember my favorite game to play was kick the can. It was hide and seek with a twist. In fourth grade, my best friend and I had imaginary friends. We would talk to them all the time. Adults didn’t think we were crazy or that we had problems, they went along with it. It was a healthy developmental stage that children go through. I remember my brother and I loved the show Lost in Space. We would watch an episode, and then go outside and throw a Frisbee (representing the spaceship) and then act out scenes from the show. It was fun!
Unfortunately, play today lacks imagination. Video games and technology has robbed our youths of this important concept. Children struggle now to find ways to occupy themselves if there is a power failure – what no TV or computer??? Children are also becoming so obese because of the lack of exercise. Children don’t go outside and run and jump like they use to. They complain because it’s too hot and they want to stay in the air conditioning. I love to see children outside riding bikes in my neighborhood – I give them credit because I know how easy it is to stay in and play videos. I also give the parents credit for making them go out and be physical. I hope that these children will keep these habits up in life. I worry about school budgets being reduced because sports are usually one of the first things to get cut. We really need these programs for kids.
I strongly believe that my being active as a youngster has greatly contributed to me being a physically active adult. I still ride my bike and would prefer the outdoors to the inside. I hope that I set an example to kids by being an active person; that they realize just because we get older doesn’t mean we sit in front of the television.
Loved board games! Played school/house all the time!
