Essential Play Items in my Childhood:
Many of the adults and children around me as a child allowed me to use my imagination for the majority of my play. Many of the adults in my life would play with me and make believe along with my imagination. This encouraged me to be playful and imaginative. My parents also allowed my brothers and I a lot of free time outside to play with each other and the neighborhood full of children. I ended every day after dinner playing imagination and physical games with 10-15 other children throughout my childhood.
The main difference to me in play today is the addition of technology to young children. It was not until I was in middle school that technology became easily accessible to me and my friends. I have noticed with my students now (between 5 and 6 years old), most if not all of them not only have access to technology but they also usually have their own personal piece of technology that is a part of their daily or weekly play time.
The biggest impact my play had on me throughout my childhood and adulthood was the ability to take chances and explore the world around me. I was also able to grow vocabulary by playing with the adults and older children in my life.
I agree that technology today is out of control and many children do not know what it is to go outside and play. I know that with many of my students they when they go home from school for the day they do not see outside anymore until the next time they get on their bus. Many neighborhoods are not safe anymore for children to be children. Also many parents find it easier for children to be inside on an Ipad so that they do not have to worry with their where about. I enjoyed reading your post.
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI think you raise a very important point about play when you said it allowed you to take chances and explore the world. This is a major issue with the use of technology--it doesn't allow risk taking and developing the 'guts' it takes to get through many of the obstacles this world presents. There is no risk with a video game; it can only be played one way, and if you make a mistake, you die and start over. How different is that from the feeling of accomplishment it takes to tackle the skills and fear of heights when you just 'go for it' on the monkey bars? Risk taking in a safe environment helps us develop the internal confidence to go out into the world and make our own way. If we live our passion, there must be risk. Without risk, there is no reward. Children of this generation are being robbed of this opportunity, and I fear the end result. An unfulfilled life as a result of the inability or fear of taking risks is truly a shame, and I hope we can help change the trend. Thanks for your post!
Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI think that everyone would agree that technology has changed how children play today. Children are more involved with electronic rather than getting outside playing in the dirt or riding their bikes. I feel that every child should have the chance to enjoy lie and be a kid playing and having fun with the environment they live in. I feel to be a kid is priceless and especially to be able to play and learn is knowledgeable. Good Post.