Prioritizing PLAY {& FREE Phone Wallpaper}
- Amanda Dixon
- Jun 28, 2021
- 2 min read
In a world of test scores and awards, A pluses and "falling behind", it can be a bit of mental battle to keep play as a priority for your children. Our society does not generally recognize the importance, better yet the NECESSITY, of play. Especially during the summer! It's a time for kids to be kids and recharge from the school year. Even if you are a teacher who has students year round, summers are for play.
So how do you stay in the right headspace to prioritize play? Especially when you are being bombarded with information about the opposite....
Surround yourself and your family with PLAY-based experiences.
Deliberately leave time and space for play.
Find friends that have similar play values, and hang out with them!
Oh, and most importantly, let the children play.
Seems like an obvious one, right? If only it were that easy. Most days I wake up and ask myself, "what am I going to do with the kids today"? ..... meaning how am I going to entertain them. But I have to gently remind myself that child-initiated play is actually more beneficial than pre-planned, adult-directed activities. And it's not my job to entertain them. Once you see the magic of play happening, it's hard to ignore it's significance. Bonus, you are free from the weight of feeling like you have to create magical birthday party-esque experiences all summer long.
If you need some friendly encouragement, I've got you! Send yourself reminders or add wallpapers to your phone that serve to keep you grounded in play. Here's one to get you started if you need it!
Don't just take my word for it. Experts have been stressing the importance of play for decades!
“Play is the highest form of research.” - Albert Einstein
“Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.” -Diane Ackerman
“Life must be lived as play.” - Plato
“Play is the work of childhood.” -Maria Montessori
“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” -Mr. Rogers
“Play. It brings joy. It is within this context that learning can occur.” - Kyle Snow, Ph.D
If you are a quote lover like me, these are just a few of the hundreds of quotes about why 'just playing" is the perfect context for learning to occur. Check out some more via these canva templates!
What are your favorite ways to facilitate play for your children or students?
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