Playtime! A child's life!

Greetings,

It really gets to me when some parents, teachers, and even administrators express the view that too much Playtime, is a waste of time, which could be better spent learning academics. Even worse  is, 'children play too much!!!'  Well excuse me if I beg to differ. Why deny children the opportunity to freely learn basic skills which come naturally, and from what they have experienced in their daily young lives? Play experiences in childhood remain for life. If those persons take the time to roll back the curtain of their childhood, they may remember that playtime was a special time to freely express themselves by playing games that they enjoyed, and, without realizing it, enabling them to learn physical, social, emotional, language, and basic academic skills, e.g jumping, skipping, running, counting, spelling, colours, concepts (e.g. high/low, near/far, big/small), speaking, listening, sharing, decision making, solving disputes, developing a sense of humour, learning to apologize, and the list goes on. Do you recall playing games such as Hopscotch, Football, Hide and Seek, Tig ?(some countries may use a different term or play different games), or arguing, falling out with friends, and making friends again? Unknown to you at the time, all of these experiences, and more, were not in isolation. Playtime provided the principle groundwork for cooperation and social relationships in your adult life. One of the major problems we have in the world today is the inability to get along with one another. Academic ability and achievement from a very young age does not necessarily accomplish that. One could have all the academic qualifications education can offer and boast high grades, but still  not be able to be at peace with one's neighbour. Playtime, helps children learn cooperation, to listen to the other person's point of view, to be tolerant and accepting of others, as well as learn the practical principles of basic academic skills in a non-academic environment. It can also help to identify underlying social and emotional problems.  Of course, as children get older, the type and style of recreational play moves from one level to another, bringing them closer and closer to an understanding of what is acceptable behaviour towards each other on the playground, in the classroom, and later on in adulthood, the workplace. Playtime in early childhood, should not be given a time slot when convenient, but should be encouraged often, participated in by parents (oh yes, this too!), and supported as a major contributor to a child's development.    

Peace

Grace