Connetions to Play

Quotes about play

Play is hard to maintain as you get older. You get less playful. You shouldn’t, of course.

Richard Feynman
American physicist
1918–1988

We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.

George Bernard Shaw
Play was a huge part of my life as a child.  What I most remember is playing dress up with fabulous coats, dresses and big shiny jewerly my aunt left when she died.  I loved Barbie dolls and when I wasn't in the house, we were at the beach playing in the sand and flying kites or in Rock Creek Park riding bikes.


        
Both my mom and dad encouraged play, providing my sister and I lots of space, materials, toys, and time to play. I played daily as I was not allowed to watch TV during the week and we did not have gaming systems.  Play was very important as I learned how to work with others, fostered my imagination, and dreamed of going to other places and becoming whoever I wanted to be.

I feel sad when I think about the current state of play.  TV and video systems have replaced play and spending time outside.  When I was a child I was told to stay outside until the street lights came on.  Now, many children come home and sit infront of the TV or play video games until its time to go to bed.  In school, play time has drascally decreased, if it occurs at all.  It is my hope that parents,educators, child care providers, and caregivers learn and recognise the importance of play.  I hope that children find joy in pretending, will one day build cities with whatever they find, and create, imagine, and enjoy being a child.