My Connections to Play

Quotes about play:

Play is our brain's favorite way of learning -Diane Ackerman-

Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning -Fred Rogers-

The toys I loved to play with when I was 5 were:

 balls

babies


tea set

How was my play back in the day?

At the age of five, I was the only child still my sister came a year and half after. My play was usually by myself especially with my tea set. Mom and Dad worked, I remember setting up my stuffed animals in a line and adding water on the tea pot and setting the table so everyone had a cup of tea. My mom when she had time would come and play with me. On the other hand my dad loved to play ball with me or soccer. My mom always tells me how fascinated I was with balls. With my babies, I was very careful. I always carried a special baby, but often would put it down for a ball.

How does play differ from back then to nowadays?

Play differ not a little but A LOT.  I remember when it was ok for children to go out and play, explore their surroundings, explore nature. There was no game systems and if there was, my parents could not afford it therefore it was not noticed or missed. As children, we have to use our imaginations, use props like boxes, sticks, rocks, grass, mud, dirt, etc. Nowadays, children are more restricted from that, they rather play in their  systems, computer, phones, etc. Using their imagination has become more restricted in a way. Props have turned into the real stuff.

My role of play throughout my life was very interesting. As I got older, I had a sister and 13 other cousins. I was the older one so my job was to take care of them and entertain them of course. I remember every sunday we would get together at my grandmas' home where it was located in one of the biggest school in Lima, so we would go over to the big open play area and just run, play chase, hide and seek, visit the pets school out, etc. I loved to play volleyball, so my aunt would come and play with me, loved it. As I got older, I would play teacher and students, barbies, etc. My sister would join me but did not quite understand my play role, she was very young. Sometimes I think about it and so wish we can go back in time for our own children to experience that life.

Relationship Reflection

Healthy relationships are built of love, care, trust and respect for each other. They are meant to come into our lives with a purpose. Some are meant to challenge us and other to change our lives for ever. Therefore, my main three people whom are the most important to me are my children, one is 17, 13 and 7. We have a very solid trusting relationship, they come to me for any problems they have, our relationship has a strong open communication.

Somebody else special to me is my fiance, whom we have shared 11 years of our lives together. We have been able to learn about each other, learn about our culture, share our dreams and hopes. A relationship becomes stronger when we overcome struggles, learn from our mistakes and accept each other for who we are.

Another very special person in my life is my best friend Patricia. Patricia and I met working and doing what we love, serving children and families. She is very special to me because she led me believe in me again, led me to believe and trust God.

Life puts people in our lives who we choose to learn from. Some will become part of your life for many years to come  and some will not. Relationships are there to learn from, learn to grow, learn to now who you are and what you want to become. The best of relationships are those who no matter what, they are there for you until the end.

When I think about child development

                                   

Every child is special in their own unique ways, our job as teachers is to nourish them with guidance, support, sympathy and love. When I saw this image, I imagine my children I serve presently, how different each one is, not only themselves but their unique life and family situations. Let's prepare them with the tools to make this world a better place for our children.

                                              
...to all the support, feedback and encouragement I got  from your replies on my posts, hope to see some next class.