"My Connections to Play

 

Some of my Favorite Childhood Games

Pick up Sticks

   

Hop Scotch

Jump Rope

  

Marbles

 

As I reflected on childhood play, I'm reminded of how I loved to play outside. My aunt would always tell my siblings and I, "Yall go outside and play," because she didn't want us lounging watching TV, or sitting around listening to adult conversation.The outdoors was a playground of adventures for me and my siblings.We didn't have many store bought toys, so we would make toys and create game on our own.We would go into the woods and build forts with tree branches and leaves, make mud pies, make stick horses pretending we were cowboys and Indians, and climb trees. Some of my favorite games were jump rope, marbles, hop scotch, and pick up sticks. I think I enjoyed childhood play so much that it became one of the reasons I chose early childhood education.Similar to my childhood play, young children are still unique, creative, fun, and courageous when playing. They use their mind to turn the simplest materials into wonderful learning tools such as, turning a empty box into a house or car; however, their is a big difference in today's idea of play. Some schools view play as a waste of time, parents replace play with expensive gadgets such as tablets, computers, I pads, and some 3 year old children even have cell phones. They don't want children to play outside because they might get their clothes dirty. My hopes are that parents and educators allow children to be children meaning a child's play is his/her work, and they work very hard to conquer play. Looking at the world through a child's eyes keep even the oldest person feeling forever young at heart. 

            

My Connections to Play

Quotes that summarize my childhood play!

   

My Family

My Family

My grandson Kamden, my Joy!

Boss Taylor our frisky pet

 My girls & I

 Kelsey Masha

 Kristi TaShay

I really believe This!

 My brothers & Nephews

 My god son

 Me & my Sister

Daughter, brother, nieces, great niece, &nephews 

 My Sisters & I

 Baby Shower

Engouragement

  

Very True

Relationship  Thought

Relationship Reflection

 Personal relationships are very important to me because they serve as my lifeline. Over the years I have developed many relationships, some have vanished, while others have remained strong. The ones that survived have became a partnership because there is a commitment to maintain, and enhance the well being of each member. The most significant relationships in my life are family, children, and church.These relationships provide support, enthusiasm, love, nurture, excitement, encouragement, and sometimes ciaos to my life, which have molded me into who I am today. 

Siblings: My mom  had 12 children, therefore, I had plenty of friends to play and interact with as a child. I do not remember having many relationships outside the family unit other than school. As an adult, my sibling and I have still maintained a close net relationship especially my sisters. We laugh, and cry, talk, and argue, but most of all we love, take care of, and forgive each other. 

By age 22, my first child was born, a daughter name Kristi. Growing up she was very feisty,  outgoing, and outspoken. We established a great line of open communication. We communicate so well that sometimes I think she forget that I'm mom first then friend. A year ago she gave birth to my first grandchild-Kamden. At birth he had health issues, and remained in the hospital the first months. He has developed into a happy, outgoing, and lovable little boy who is the joy of my life. 

By age 32, my second daughter- Kelsey was born. Kelsey and Kristi are like night and day. Kelsey is mild tempered, quiet, and nonchalant. We also have a great relationship. She is great at talking about the good stuff, but sometime lingers when she has to talk about the not so good issues. Both of my daughters grew up to be beautiful respectful young ladies.

Best Friends

Best Friend: Six years ago, I began working with a bubbly lady name Meosha. She was very excited, and seemed to enjoy working with children. Although we have not work directly together for the past three years, we developed a friendship, and have been inseparable for the last six year. We share the same values of caring for children and complimented each other in the classroom. To maintain this relationship we contact each other daily, to offer support, encouragement, and motivation. We can talk about anything without prejudice. Sometimes I tell her things that I would never tell my sisters.  

Church: Church play a major role in my life. I serve as  local Sun Shine Band president, YPWW teacher, and kitchen leader. I love being involved in church activities, and I love my church family. The missionary always tell me what God's word says when I talk to her about situations in my life;even though sometimes "I just want to be right". I draw strength from the messages to carry me through the week. Church offers unity, encouragement, and truth. There is a good fellowship, and a sacred  bond between members.

I have learned that relationships can be challenging  if there is no balance. Time is a big issue in maintaining these relationships. Responsibilities such as, jobs, family illness, and new births have required a lot of my time which makes it difficult to maintain balance. This is when relationships display partnership traits, being understanding, persistent, kind, and forgiving; therefore, everyone must strive to engage in relationship.  

   

  

DOROTHY