A quote on play from Ralph Waldo Emerson, "It is a happy talent to know how to play."
Play is an activity that has changed over time according to George Rollie Adams, historian, former teacher and led the development of the National Museum of Play. American Journal of Play interviewed Mr. Adams. Mr. Adams shared that in the past, play was more open and free. Rules were developed to meet the situation. Play objects were the stuff you found and turned into something new. In Mr. Adams case, a delivery crate into a truck. Mr. Adams shared, "We had no idea at the time that we were learning to negotiate and to adjust our system to the environment in which we were operating. Turns out those are invaluable management skills." His statement shows the value of play and how play led him to developing a museum.
In my introduction post, I shared how I played a teacher in a school play and then became a teacher. My father in law shared with me how his play experiences led him into a career with the US Army. As a child, he enjoyed playing war games with his brothers and neighbors. He was intrigued by the strategy he had to form to evade his friends and that set the foundation for his career. What play activities did you indulge in as a child? Did they lead you to your career?
Alliance for Childhood is a research and advocacy group that "promotes policies and practices that support children's healthy development, love of learning, and joy in living." Their website has videos that promote play. One video is Prescription for Play and is narrated by Dr. Ken Ginsburg, pediatrician at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Dr. Marilyn Benoit, Chief Clinical Officer at Devereux Behavioral Health. The two individuals share how play is the work of childhood. Dr. Ginsburg shares that success is related to happiness and creativity and that play is a big part. Follow the attached link to view Prescription for Play.
http://www.allianceforchildhood.org/prescriptionforplay
What is your prescription for play? Play has changed over time, do we need to prescribe more opened play?
Thank you for sharing your views.
Sharon Lloyd
