Play!

"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. 

But for children play is serious learning. 

Play is really the work of childhood."

~ Fred Rogers ~ 

It's unfortunate that many children today will not have the same experiences with Mr. Rogers that my children and I did, unless they catch him on Netflix.  We spent a lot time in the land of make-believe with Mr. Rogers, wondering what Lady Elaine Fairchild and Daniel Striped Tiger might do next.

It is also unfortunate that some schools are cutting back on or eliminating altogether recess and unstructured play time for students. 

During my school finance course our groups researched the implementation of all day kindergarten in several suburban school districts.  I was shocked to find that St. Louis Park had eliminated all unstructured play time for kindergarten students, instituting instead "purposeful play" do be directed and supervised by adults.  How does this teach or encourage self-direction?  Kindergarten classrooms in Shakopee were stripped of their toys, including their play kitchen sets.  Teachers were upset by this new policy, but could do nothing about it.

"Play is the work of the child."

~ Maria Montessori ~

According to Montessori, the essential dimensions of play are:

• Voluntary, enjoyable, purposeful and spontaneous
• Creativity expanded using problem solving skills, social skills, language skills and physical skills
• Helps expand on new ideas
• Helps the child to adapt socially
• Helps to thwart emotional problems

I heard this often when I was a kid, "Go outside and play!"  I am amazed and I love it when I see children in my neighborhood running or biking or playing kick-the-can in the park.  Surely this is good for kids.  Surely this helps kids learn valuable life lessons.

Lest we lose heart completely, here is a story about a group of Florida parents who are fighting to keep recess in their children's public schools.  They will not go quietly, and I support their efforts!