Childhood Connections to Play

*My Connections to Play*

         As I reflect on my childhood, play was a vital part of my life growing up with my brothers, family, friends, and neighbors. During the school year, we spent the afternoons, early dismissals, snow days, two hours delays, weekends and holiday breaks together outside or playing at someone's house. During the summer, we were outside every day at the park, in our backyards, beach, pool, or at my grandparent's house. We rode bikes, scooters, played tag, hide and seek, red light green light, soccer, basketball, hockey, and built forts. My family lives on a farm so I spent many weekends, riding bikes, tractors and walking the farm with my brothers, cousins and aunt and uncle. 

Here are three quotes about play that represents my childhood experiences:

Some essential toy items I had growing up include:

Lincoln Logs

American Girl Doll

Little Tikes Car

In today’s society play has the potential to be similar to the play in which I engaged in as a child because similar toys are still available, just newer, updated versions. However, technology has advanced and has really taken over the children’s time. Children are now playing less and are not as active due to tablets and other technology devices. Many young children have their own tablets.   Children need time to play every day to explore, learn and grow!

If I was to picture myself as a 4- 5-year-old, I picture myself on the beach with my brothers, parents, grandparents, aunt, uncle and family friends. It would consist of my brothers, two friends and I playing together in the sand. We would have sand toys such as shovels, buckets to play with to make sandcastles. The adults would be supervising and modeling to us how to make sandcastles and how to drizzle sand on top. Then we would be jumping in the waves, holding the adult's hands, counting 1, 2,3 jump and we all would try to jump over the waves before it crashed on to us. This is just a glimpse of what my summers looked like, surrounded by family and friends supporting our development and having fun!

As an adult, I still need time to be free and explore with my friends. It is great way to reduce stress and enjoy life! 

Reflecting on Building Relationships

Here are some pictures of important relationships/partnerships in life: 

My Fiancee

My two chocolate labs- Buxton and Costa Rae

My family

Ohana- My best friends

These relationships are meaningful to me because all these people in my life have been my side and supported me through everything. My family is very close and is always spending time together. My group of friends has been together since we were in elementary school, my best friend since we were a baby and now we are planning weddings together. My fiancee and I have been together for 8 years and are getting married next year!  

Some factors that contribute to maintaining relationships include:

• happiness
• loyalty
• supportive
• encouraging
• strong communication
• sharing the same interests and hobbies
• spending time together

Some challenges to developing and maintaining relationships that I have learned from experience over time include having the time to spend with each other. Life can be busy and crazy at times so it is always important to allow time to spend with people who are close to you. There are other ways to stay in touch such as calling and talking on the phone to catch up. It still shows that you care and are invested in the relationship. 

These experiences with relationships/partnerships, including my ability to be an active, reflective, contributor, impact my work as an effective early childhood professional because communication is key. It is essential to have good social skills to build relationships with all your students and their families.