Whoever wants to understand much must play much.
Gottfried Benn
German physician
1886–1956
Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.
Fred Rogers
American television personality
1928–2003
I had many aunts who supported my play as a child. We could not go many places as children because my mom and dad had four of us. It was costly to go to movies and things like that because my family only had one income. My aunts would take me to different places, such as the park, or playground. We would swing and run and do many things that taught me through experience. One of my aunts was a teacher and she would always bring blocks or books or something and I would read with her. I would have the blocks that had numbers and a set that had letters and we would play with them. I would learn number concepts or problem solve when I would try to stack them. I could just go on and on about the different things that I learned from playing. That is why I feel this quote is so personal for me.
Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.
Kay Redfield Jamison
Contemporary American professor of psychiatry
Today's play to me is better than what it was when I was a child, because we have learned so much about how play benefits children. Toys have been developed to foster that learning in more ways than what it used to be. Now that stuffed doll may sing ABC's or that toy fire truck may flash lights and be more realistic. I think since we know more about learning through play than when I was a child, it has improved the way children play.
This was one of my favorite toys. I think I liked it so much because it was family and all the components were there. There was even the dog. The car was in the little garage and I had so much fun with it. I think it taught me about family and gave me a since of love for spending time together. I wish i could buy this somewhere now for my daughter. I hope she will value the time she spends with us as she grows like I did with my parents.
Play was so important to me as a child. I loved to play with other people more than being alone. I longed to have other children come to my house and spend the night or come over and spend the day with me. I loved to be outside and ride my bike. I oved playing kickball and choosing teams and team captains. I'm so glad we did this assignment. It brought back so many memories and has warmed my heart.
