"My Connection To Play"

   ·  “Play is the work of the child.”  

  Chalk/ Alphabet Board            – Maria Montessori                 My Little Pony

                                                ·   “Play is the highest form of research.”

                                               – Albert Einstein

                                           ·   “It is a happy talent to know how to play.”

                                              – Ralph Waldo Emerson

                                           ·    “Play gives children a chance to practice                                                                                    what they are learning.” – Mr. Rogers

                                           ·          “We don’t stop playing because we 

                                     grow old; we grow old  because we stop 

                                      playing.”  – George Bernard Shaw              

      ·         I had several toys as a child that I could pick just three; they all invoked                       something different in me when playing discovery, imagination, or learning.

                       

Fisher Price Record Player                                      Little TikesWasher/Dryer   

                                              Play Blender              Yak-Bak Recorder          

Cabbage Patch Dolls                                      Etch A Sketch  

                   Handheld Water Game                                Bandage Gum                          
       
                     
 Fisher Price Corn Popper                                                  Giga Pet



     Pocket Journal                                              Little Tikes Stove 

       ·          I can remember when I was younger that my grandmother would always encourage me to play, and when I was at home I was always encouraged to play versus watching  television as an alternative.

      ·     The biggest difference I see in play today is the innovative side of things. Most things are technological advanced and ran on a batter or has to plugged into a wall. There are far and few between toys that cause you to think or create things. The toys that children prefer to play with these days all tend to have screens that  entertain instead of actually playing.

      ·     I hope that children can learn do more critical thinking and discover during             imaginative pay. I want children to live up to the expectation of play of Mr. Rogers and practice what they learn during play.   

     ·       Oddly enough I always wanted to play teacher as a child and that is what I worked to become an educator in my adulthood. 

Relationship Reflection

Family and friends are important relationships in my life that I have strong feelings about. You cannot always choose your family but how your relationship with you family is defined is based on the dynamics of the relationship. My immediate family and I have a bond that is built on the foundation of trust.  My family having the benefit of being able to count on each other when needed helps with the positive relationship we have.

Now on the flip-side of the relationships I have are friends that I chose. Over the years I had people who I considered to be friends; however they were more of an associate instead. The friends that I have, have been around for the past thirteen years they are there to support me and me them in all aspects of our lives. My friends all have children who are my Godchildren. I do the work in early childhood because I want to make changes for them as they grow and become a part of the community. I advocate for change so they can have the best opportunities possible.