Role of "Play"

My thoughts of role on "play," now and when I was a child; it is essential for children to be introduced to "play," but in a positve form. Children need to experience as many forms of positve "play" as to their developmental growth. Growing up, we all played together in the neighborhood and in pre-school. I remember playing with friends and experiencing times, were I may have cried or my feelings got hurt, but in the end, I learned different types of "play." Play is beneficial for children to go through in order to grow and learn from. I learned problem-solving skills, and how to deal with certain things through interacting with my peers. It is crucial in todays early childhood programs for children to experinces "play." Play stimulates children thoughts and allows them to make their on decisions. It is crucial for children to experience and learn things on thier own; this enables them to grow into productive individuals. Play is the first opportunity for children to discover the world in which they live in (Jona K. Anderson-McNamee, 2010).

Play is important because it is the way in which children are able to to use and reflect on their experiences, to represent their ideas and to ask answer questions that preoccupy them (Smidt 2006).

Entry on "Play"

In terms of the differences in "play," when growing up as a child as to now with children, is not much of a difference. We have to understand that times have changed tremendously with children and what they're introduced to in todays society; some are good and bad. I remember my Aunt who passed away a year ago saying, "Times are not like they use to be." And this statement is very much so when it comes down to children in the early childhood, in terms of "play." Children learn from adults; therefor we must introduce children to postive "play" regardless of what type of play they maybe experiencing out side of the early childhood environment.

My hopes for children in our today's society to be introduced to postive "play." Play is healthy for children to grow and develop. Developmentalist believe that play is the most productive and enjoyable activity that children undertake (Elkind, 2007).  

Childhood "Play"

Growing up as a child all the children in the neighborhood played together. It didn't matter what type of game we played, we all played. We all got a long and played well togther. Looking back on my childhood play; I would not have ever thought that the games we played together and the interaction between us, played a vital part in our developmental growth. Parents encouraged children to play together. The role of play was just as important than as it is now; just wasn't acknowledge as it is today.

Essential Pictures of "Play"

Whether children are building blocks, painting or running, these are all a forms of "play." Children are developing social skills, while enteracting with one another. Their developing while using their small motor skills. 

"MY Connections to Play"

Quotes:

*Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning. They have to play with what they know... to be true and in order to find out more, and they can use what they learn in new forms of "Play."
                                                                                    
                                                                     Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers Neighborhood

*It is a happy talent to know how to "Play."

                           Ralph Waldo Emerson

*It is paradoxical that many educators and parents still differentiate between a time for learning and a time for "play" without seeing the vital connection between them

                                                                           Leo Buscaglia, author, educator

Relationships/Partnerships impact my work as an Early Childhood Educator

Being a positive and effective childcare educator all begins with who you are as an individual. We are mothers/fathers, siblings, Aunts/Uncles and etc first. Once we understand what is our earhtly purpose of being here, than we can understand what is set forth for our lives. I'm a caring and loving person and have always had the desire to work with children. I knew my passion and calling was to be a teacher when I was a young girl. I worked in the high school level for almost nine years and in the begining, I really enjoyed what I did. But it seemed as though something was missing. During this time, I would volunteer at my daughter's school and would be filled with so much joy being around younger children. They are so sweet and curious at this age level. One day I woke up and had an epiphany; my calling was to work with younger children. I put a two week notice in with my job and was hired exactly two weeks later with the company I'm currently with now and have been for almost five years. Over the course of these years, I have learned things that I will take with me through my educational journey. The good and the bad have help me become a better person and teacher. Without challenges, how could we grow and become better teachers? We learn from our mistakes and we strive to do better. I know without a doubt, that my experiences in the past will and  have caused me to be a better person and a better teacher.

Characteristics of Relationships that makes Partnerships

 We as educators should always look for new ways to build positive relationships with children and their  families as we would our own. Understanding one another differences; whether through, race, cultural, or religion. In order to build healthy relationships and allow these relationships to grow into partnership, we must never be intentionally bias towards people because they are from a different background. We all share the same values and norms, and that is helping children, families and our own loves ones be productive individuals and live healthy lives. Healthy relationships can turn into productive partnerships. Team work is a an effort that we must implement in our personal lives as well as our careers.