My Connection to Play

 

“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” -Kay Redfield Jamison

“I still get wildly enthusiastic about little things… I play with leaves. I skip down the street and run against the wind.” Leo F. Buscaglia

I remember having so much fun as a child.  I was the youngest of four children and we were all very closed in age.  There was always someone to play with.  My parents of course bought us many fun toys, but they were more about playing things with us then spending money on material things.  My parents always let us explore things.  They weren't over protective and always telling us no and that we could not do things.  They let us be creative and think of fun things to do with each other around the house.   We spent a lot of time outside.  We would ride our bikes, draw with chalk, build forts, play baseball and run all around the house.  We would play outside all day.  We would only be allowed to come home to eat or use the bathroom.  We stayed out until bedtime.  I feel that play is so much different today.  There are multiple reasons behind this thought.  Technology has taken over the lives of children.  Yes I do agree that technology is an amazing tool in teaching children and giving them different options to learn, but there are negative aspects.  Some parents tend to use technology as a babysitter for their children.  A lot of parents are extremely busy and put their children in front of a tv or computer.  Another reason I feel this is happening is because the world is so unsafe.  There is so much crime today and bad people that want to hurt children.  When I grew up, my parents didn't have to worry about us being kidnapped or anything like that.

Ever since I was very young, I LOVED babies.  I always had a baby doll that I took everywhere with me. I liked to take care of my babies.  I always wanted the dolls that came with diapers and pretend food and bottles.  Playing with the dolls made me realize how much I loved kids.  As soon as I was old enough to babysit, I did.  And to this day I still work with babies every day.  I just can't get enough of them!!  Through play I learned what I was good at and what I loved.

 

 

 
 
 

 

 

 

Relationship Reflection

 

Relationships come in many different varieties.  The relationships that have been the most important to me lately are my co-workers, my son and my boyfriend.  I have completely different relationships with each of them but each are special and important in their own ways. They all work together to make me stronger and happier.  There are often times I disagree with what the other says or does, but I think that is how to make the relationship stronger.  If you care about someone, you will do what it takes to make them happy.  That does not necessarily mean that we have to agree with everything they say and do.  It means that we take their thoughts and opinions into considerations and build from that. 

Jordan is my six year old son   J  It is because of him that I went back to school.  Right after high school I got my Associate’s degree in early education.  After I had him I realized I was down a tough and lonely road.  I decided to go back for my Bachelor’s degree.  I made the huge decision to continue on with my Master’s.  He motivated me to keep on going.  When times were rough and I didn’t know how I was going to take on anymore, I just look at his little face and realize all my hard work will be worth it.  Nothing is more important than this little angel and I will continue to work hard to provide for him and teach him how to be a kind young man. 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rebecca is the teacher that I worked with for three years.  We worked with special education junior high students.  She is an amazing person and teacher.  Our relationship was very special to me.  I learned a great deal from her.  Working with special education students is difficult for anyone.  When you have someone that clicks with you and has very similar thoughts it makes it much easier.  We had the same feelings about our students.  We were always on the same page and finished each other’s sentences.  I have learned more from her regarding patience and sensitivity than I have ever learned before. 

 

 

 

 

 

Matt is my boyfriend.  He met me when I was a struggling single mother.  He has been my rock, my confidence and my support.  He supports my son and his biological father does not.  He accepts me for who I am and what comes with me.  My son is finally happy for once that he has a “family”.  We have story time together every night before bed and my son gets a special “Matt” hug and kiss before he falls asleep.  It is something that I have never had with my son and I thank God every day for Matt and what he has done for us.