So Long, Farewell...
For some of you I will meet up with you in future classes. I think on-line classes and Walden University was a really good choice for me. I have found the classes to be very thought provoking and have learned a lot to help me with my profession. The second part of that is the classmates I have had that have also contributed to my learning experience. Just when I think I have made a pretty good post and included lots of information regarding the subject, everyone always surprises me by including stuff I didn't think about or find during my research. I love reading discussion posts. Thank you everyone for enhancing my education with your wonderful information and thorough posts. Take care. Get on facebook site. It is very fun. Can't wait to see pictures of Owen in June.
"My Connections to Play"
Two quotes:
Vygotsky - "Children use private speech in play to regulate behavior"
"Creative play is a central activity in the lives of healthy children."
Almon, K. (2002) The vital role of play in early childhood
education. Gateways, 43.
My family, especially my mom, was very supportive of play. She recognized its importance. My sister and I loved to play with our friends. She would take us to the community pool and parks and we would play all day. When we got a little older we got a trampoline and jumped on it for much of the day. We had a playroom above our garage in Tennessee and we played there for many hours even though it got very hot at times. My sister and I loved to play with dolls. My mom always said she would be my best friend and as we got older did not encourage many outside friendships. I think that hurt our social skills a little. Now we talk every once in a while, have very different lives and see each other about 2-3 times per year. Even though we are still very close and had many years of play as children, we have drifted apart. My dad was really good at playing with us also. He took us on our boat all the time and encouraged more of the rough and tumble type of play. Both my mom and taught us to be resourceful and take care of ourselves, almost to a fault.
As I attempt to write my blog assignement I feel play has changed a great deal since when we were younger. We would go all day without seeing the inside of our house and find things to play with. All three of my boys are sitting around my table asking me questions and saying they are bored. I live about 2 blocks from one of the most beautiful lakes and beaches in the country and 1 block from an elementary school playground. There are children all over this neighborhood to play with and they are asking me what they can do. Where have I gone wrong in this scenario? They have come to rely on me as their "social director" and I have probably enabled that. Play is very different. I am going to cancel cable and hide the playstation and nintendo ds's for the summer. My kids are older and possibly beyond help. I hope that young children will be pulled away from the computers, tv and other electronic devices. I hope they will be in a safe place to be able to venture out and make friends. Parents need to be more confident in their childrens ability and need to become independent players. I think sometimes parents protect their children and don't let them make mistakes at an early age.
I have included pictures of my boys below at the beach. This is what we love to do these days. This was on a spring break vacation. My youngest sons favorite toy was a palm branch he found the first day. Again, an item from nature that I didn't have to purchase that entertained him. Nice!!
My Favorites
- Scott
- Boating
- Summer in Northern Michigan
- Elk Rapids Public Schools
- Ice cream
- My horses
- My family
- Preschool children
- My 3 sons
- My 2 dogs
This is me with one of my preschoolers who has been with me 5 days a week for the past 2 years. He is moving to Ohio. It is difficult when they leave. Good news is he will be back in 2 years. He is also one of my favorites.
Tracy,
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed the many vibrant and original post you have shared through this course on your blog and on the discussion boards. I would have to agree that just when I think I've answered all of the questions, I read another post and discover there are many, many ways to look at the information we've been provided. Before Walden University, I had taken very few on-line courses, I must say this has been one of the most challenging programs, yet one of the most rewarding. The best of luck to you in the future and with the program! Take care.
-Tasha