My Connections to Play

One of my favorite things to do when I was a child was build a fort with sheets and pillows across a sofa or table or even on our bunk beds.  My sisters and I had limited opportunities to play outside, so we did majority of our playing indoors. I think that play was essential to my development in that it allowed me to interact with others, make friends, learn how to be a team player, learn how to win/lose, learn how to share and be patient.  All these things have been embedded into me as I grew older.  I think play is vital in teaching children some fundamental traits that will help in adulthood.





As a child, I enjoyed playing with my sisters and cousins, and other kids.  I did enjoy playing games such as:  tag, red light-green light, simon says, etc.  Those types of games that involved playing with others were a major type of play that I enjoyed.  I enjoyed playing with dolls, coloring/drawing/painting and jump roping a lot as a child.  Those are some things I would say were essential play items for my younger self.





Two Quotes That Represent Play During My Childhood



I think its important to know that play isn't necessarily meant to be organized and neat.  Sometimes it involves messing things up an being chaotic.  I really enjoyed arts as a child, which I continue to do as an adult.  Anything involving drawing, painting, creative expressions were always things I enjoyed doing.





Any chance I got, I wanted to play.  My parents were quite strict and things had to be kept a certain way, so horseplay was limited to certain times and places.  I remember not always having as much time to play, but when given the chance, I made it my job to have fun.  I think to look at play as a "job" for kids is very valid, because children have no real control over much, but when it comes to their imagination and interacting with other kids, playing games, etc. it their job; their work.







I think play is still a major component of young childrens' lives, however I the age in which children decrease the amount of play is happening earlier. Technology, I feel is a major cause in the shift of the type of play that children are engaged.  Tablets, and cell phones have kinda replaced the more active forms of play that I was accustomed to.  I think that using technology is great for our young kids, but in moderation. Children nowadays should get out and engage in the type of play that involves being active more frequently.

Relationship Reflection

Relationships are important to my overall health and well-being.  I believe that relationships, whether it be relationships that I have at home, work, the public, and globally are all essential in my growth as a human being. 

Relationships that fall within my home life to include: family members and close friends are my number one priority.  My children, significant other and family members/close friends are the people who impact my life the most and to which I make decisions.  Besides my children, two positive relationships that I have are with long-time friends, one that I met in high school and the other that I met in college.  They both impact my life in a positive way. We share common likes/dislikes, they are easy to talk to and bounce ideas off of, and they have shown consistency with regards being there for me. I think some reasons why these relationships are successful are because of several characteristics to include:  trust, spending time interacting with each other, and reciprocity in all aspects of the word.

Like all relationships, there are rough times, but we always seem to be there for each other, and not hold grudges or betray one another. 

I think on challenge to any relationship is being able to deal with the differences that each individual brings to the table.  Even though my two close friends and I have similar likes/dislikes, traits, etc., we still are individuals and don’t agree on everything. 

I believe that being able to recognize that every person has the right to have their own opinion and that you may have to agree to disagree on certain things will make relationships more successful.  I also, believe that the foundation of positive relationships begin with effective communication.  All relationships have to encompass effective communication skills from both parties.   Without communication, you will not be able to develop a relationship at all. 

Effective communication skills along with being an equal contributor can in turn help with being an effective early childhood professional in that we must build strong and positive relationships with the young children and their families that we serve.