1). It is a happy talent to know how to play.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson (poet/philosopher)
2). 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 (Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood)
Play have evolved so much from when I was younger but below you will find some of my favorite toys that would hold my attention for hours.
I was the only child (and the first born grandchild) for 12 years so I was able to score any new, hot item that was currently on the market. I loved to play with dolls, especially Strawberry Short Cake and her friends and the My Little Pony series. I loved to spend time outdoors but preferred the pogo ball to my bike because it allowed me to jump around throughout the yard. My parents and extended members were very supportive to choice of toys and loved to watch the performances that I put on with my dolls. My dad would sit for hours listening to my stories about Strawberry Short Cake or My Little Ponies and the different adventures that they would encounter weekly.
The play today is more technology based than when I was younger. My oldest and youngest (boy and girl respectively) children would rather spend time indoors playing hand held games or computer games instead of going outside riding their bikes. I was the complete opposite because I can remember loving the outdoors and transporting my dolls (and their equipment) outside for our performances because technology was not as advance as today's. My middle child is my outdoor fanatic and spends more time outside shooting basketball or riding his bike with friends.
The role of my play during childhood contributed to my creative sense and ability to adapt to ever changing situations. I believe that play in childhood can have a positive effect on adulthood because it allows for exploration of the world and learning the skills needed to survive latter in life.
References
Play Quotes (2011). What they say about play. Retrieved on January 28, 2011 from http://www.scribd.com/doc/22929/play-quotes
TaShunda,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post and our childhood experiences sound a lot alike. I was the only child for 10yrs as well. However, my family knew that I needed to be around other children so they did take me or bring other children for me to play with. I believe my mom, aunt, and grandfather overcompensated for me being an only child by surrounding me with a bunch of toys. Even though I had lots of toys, I enjoyed playing outside the most. My favorite toy was the big wheel and my favorite game was tag. I wish that I could go back to those days!!!