Play is our brain's favorite way of learning.
Diane Ackerman
Play fosters belonging and encourages cooperation.
Stuart Brown, MD
Essential Play Items for my Younger Self:
I loved My Little Pony when I was younger! I would spend so much time combing and braiding their hair. I remember the little carrying case I had for them that had ponies all over it.
This is a Cabbage Path Kid Pet. I loved my Cabbage Patch Kids and when I got this pet as a Christmas present, I instantly fell in love. I carried him with me everywhere.
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| My brother and I each had our own tape recorder like this. We would play with these for hours! We would record our own radio stations and play them back for our parents. |
I was very lucky that my parents realized and valued the importance of play. They would build forts with us and help us turn boxes into houses. They watched as we would perform songs and plays that we made up. I had many cousins around that were my age and when we got together we would climb trees and invent games. Play was such a wonderful part of my childhood.
Play is very different now from when I was little, especially outdoor play. My brother and I would be outside in the backyard or in the park across from our house all day. My mom would come outside with us at times but for the most part we were out by ourselves and did not have to worry about being safe. We also did not have video games. When we were inside playing, it was with blocks, dolls, cars, or things we found around the house.
Even as an adult, I still love to play and color with my nieces or my students. I am blessed to have a job where play is an everyday occurrence.
