My Connections to Play

Quotes on Play

“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.”

Plato

“In play a child always behaves beyond his average age, above his daily behavior. In play it is as though he were a head taller than himself.”

Lev Vygotsky

 

            When I was younger I played at home with my siblings or we played on the street with children from the neighborhood.  Our parents encouraged us to play.  We knew we had to finish our homework first before we proceeded to play.  Play at home was always met with parental support.  Mum would have stood by the kitchen door and looked at us, smiling, laughing and encouraging us as we participated.  At times, we may have felt she was bias in her comments toward a sibling, however, that did not deter us from engaging ourselves fully in the games.  Dad worked very long hours so whenever he was around and we were engaged in play he can be seen relaxing on the outdoor bench and providing encouragement to a sibling and the rest of us may indicate to him that he is assisting that sibling to win.  However, we meant no harm; we were simply having fun and expressing ourselves.  

Playing with the children in the neighborhood was always appreciated.  There were only about 4 houses in our street so we were not too many in numbers.  Many times neighborhood games were in the form of cricket, we played heartedly and our games generated a lot of laughter, togetherness and excitement.  However, there were some restriction attached to neighborhood games, we were expected at home at 6.00 p.m. We were particularly mindful about the time to get home because if we defied the time limit then some restrictions were imposed.

Play today is different from the play I engaged in as a child because family time is no longer built around play activities that I engaged in.  With the invasion of new technology, the nature of play has shifted from highly physical and endearing in nature that allowed for exertion of self to a more indoor and less exertive in nature type of play and as a result of that we are realizing that there is a rise in diabetes, obesity and hypertension.   In addition, family life has taken on new meaning with activities for children almost every day of the week, ranging from school-related activities or swimming classes, lawn tennis practice or piano classes.  As such, there is a lack of that free play I engaged in as a child.

I believe that greater emphasis needs to be placed on the outdoor play because it holds tremendous lifestyle benefits.  It is interesting to know that the camaraderie and bonding that took place when I was a child is so absent today even among siblings.  I think the school can assist in this regard by ensuring that physical education actually takes place at least on a weekly basis.  I know for the kindergarten, in our country, they should be exposed to physical education daily. 

         Play has been a valuable part of my life.  I have acquired a lot of skills from engaging in play, all of which have contributed positively to my development. As I look around our society, I see so many young children who lack basic skills and it is clear that many of them have not engaged in a wide range of play–like activities which I was exposed to and as such they are unable to cope effectively with many situations.

Relationship Reflection

Relationships are very important to my existence.  Strong family relationships have molded me and allowed me to possess positive outlook on life.  These relationships have cultivated in me a culture of honoring family and family experiences which have been a huge part of my existence.  I am blessed to have both of my parents alive; some persons lost their parents at a tender age. My parents are very active as such they continue to contribute to society.  Five children emerged from the union; they have played a huge part in our development – four boys and one girl.  My brothers are all married and so we reunite for special occasions such as Christmas, Easter, at times for birthdays and other family moments. 

My brothers are close to me but my third brother – Gladwyn is considered my favorite brother.  I think his name says it all and he tells everyone that he is always glad as such he possesses that effervescent personality which becomes contagious wherever he goes. We share a beautiful connection as siblings and as such we advise each other on a wide range of issues. In the picture above, on the extreme right is my cousin, next to him my mother, then my brother Cleve who is a doctor in the U.S, and some of the family members were there for his wedding, then my brother Gladwyn followed my brother Seymour then me.

My niece Keona  is very close to me. The bond that was fostered from the moment she was a baby to this present time is very deep.  Besides being her aunt and godmother, I have also played a great part in her academic achievements.  Quite recently, I was doing something in my room and she needed my assistance so I heard her saying, “Time is of essence”.  I was most surprised because she is only 7 years.  I asked her where she got that quote from and she was quick to mention, “Auntie you always tell me time is of essence!”  I did not even recall that but it tells us how children are paying attention to what we as adults share with them.

My friend Yolanda is also very special.  I met her in 1991 when I took up my first teaching assignment.   She was very supportive to me, having entered the profession with very little experience she played a large part in mentoring me and ensuring that my experiences were quite rewarding.  Over the years, that relationship is alive and well.   I smile at times when I think of the length of time we have been friends and how we continue to keep in touch with each other and share gifts with each other.  It is amazing!

My roommate from college (Alicia) and I also share strong friendship.  We barely knew each other when we decided to share an apartment together but over time that relationship grew.  However, there were moments which created a bit of discomfort like when we had to prepare meals. Just when it was becoming a bit unbearable for me, my brother came to Trinidad so I ended up sharing an apartment with him and at the same time she got married and relocated to her in-laws’ resident.  I think that was the break needed in order to sustain that relationship.  We are great friends still and continue to communicate with each other and share family moments as well.