My Connections to Play

Quotes that summarize what play represented to me in childhood:

Play is our brain's favorite way of learning. Diane Ackerman

Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.  Fred Rogers

Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.  Kay Redfield Jamison

                                             Ball

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Jump Rope

Video Games

When I was younger I grew up in Trinidad so I didn’t attend school until I was in elementary. The only time we had for play was during recess time for thirty min. a day. We had no activity that involved play in the classroom. In the classroom the focus was books. Play time was not allowed much when I was a child, but I see how beneficial the role of play is through my children and my students. For me, play is more accepted and encouraged today, than when I grew up. Children are required to have a certain amount of play time a day. Most of the time, that is when their personality comes into effect and blossom. They learn a lot from their peers like communication or language skills for example.

As an adult I truly believe that play so still important, no matter what the age of the individual. Just because we are adults we still have skills we could still expand on our everyday skills. Play is a way to interact and be social. We learn from each other no matter what age the individual is. For me play can be a group of adults going out for lunch or going bowling with each other. I have always been a social butterfly and I believe I learned from every individual I came in contact with.

I have two boys and I know much of their learning comes through play. For example, my three year old communication skills (speaking, etc.) expanded when he went to school and was around other children. Play is very much encouraged in our household

Relationship Reflection

” “love you not because of who you are, but because of who I am when I am with”-

                              a quote from http://www.searchquotes.com/search/Relationship_Status/

Relationship/partnership is important to me for a number of reasons. Relationships can keep an individual grounded, meaning it could bring out the best in them. No day is perfect nor is anyone, so it is good to have someone or some people that is there to lend a helping hand. If the relationship is a positive one,  then they would bring the best out of you.


                                                                                              My grandmother and my uncle Ian, in Trinidad!!

I try to keep positive influential people in my life, as well as my children. My mother, Jillian Tucker, and grandmother, Lonia Textus, is at the top of that list. So much wisdom and guidance came from them throughout my life. When I was going down the wrong path, they were always there to bring me back to realization. My husband, Andre Chisolm, is also an individual that I have a positive relationship with. He is a great father as well as great companion.  The last indiviudal that I will discuss is my uncle Ian, he is also my son's godfather. He helped raise me, when my mother needed the help. He gave up his life and moved back to Trinidad to take care of his mother, my grandmother. I never once seen him get mad or get worried, he always tells me that all things could be changed, so don't dwell on it. I live by that! No one situation stays the same, and you have to be ready for the unexpected, becasue thats what makes you stronger.

                                 My lovely mother with my youngest son, I am who I am because of her!

My husband with our oldest son! (not sure how to turn the picture around, sorry)

All relationships could have challenges in developing and maintaining them. Over time I have learned that some information has to stay to yourself.  At time’s I might not always agree with the beliefs or customs of the other individual, but it not worth fighting over.  Keep an open mind is something else I have learned to do over time. Even though it is something I never did before, don’t mean that it is the wrong way or unacceptable. My way is not always right.

My experiences with relationships will impact as I further myself as an early childhood professional. Patience and understanding is two qualities that were gained from the individuals that I currently have a relationship with. Children are all different and time has to be taken with them. They all come from different cultures, religion, and income bracket.   So the fact that I have an understanding that I will have to adapt to each child and the way I teach my children is not the only way will take me a long way.

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