Just Playing …

boy raises his hand to the house from wooden cubes

I came across this poem in my files – and thought it needed to be shared. Some things in life are timeless – they never age or go out of fashion. And this poem certainly still captures the value of play in the life of a child. Enjoy, and pass it on!

 

When I am building in the block room,
please don’t say I’m “just playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play:
about balances and shapes.
When I’m getting all dressed up,
setting the table, caring for the babies,
don’t get the idea I’m “just playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play:
I may be a Father or a Mother someday.
When you see me up to my elbows in paint,
standing at the easel, or molding and shaping clay,
please don’t let me hear you say, he’s “just playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play:
I’m expressing myself and being creative.
I may be an artist or an inventor someday.
When you see me sitting in a chair
reading to an imaginary audience,
please don’t laugh and think I’m “just playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play:
I may be a teacher someday.
When you see me combing the bushes for bugs,
or packing my pockets with things to find,
don’t pass it off as “just play.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play:
I may be a scientist one day.
When you see me engrossed in a puzzle,
or some plaything at school,
please don’t feel my time is wasted in play.
For, you see, I’m learning as I play:
I’m learning how to solve problems and concentrate,
I may be in business someday.
When you see me cooking or tasting foods,
please don’t think that just because I enjoy it, it is “just play.”
I’m learning to follow directions and see differences.
I may be a chef someday.
When you see me learning to skip rope, hop, run, and move my body,
please don’t say I’m “just playing.”
For, you see I’m learning as I play:
I’m learning how my body works.
I may be a doctor, nurse, or athlete someday.
When you ask what I’ve done at school today,
and I say, “I just played.”
Please don’t misunderstand me.
For, you see, I’m learning as I play:
I‘m learning to enjoy and be successful in my work.
I’m preparing for tomorrow.
Today, though, I’m a child, and my work IS my play.

Author Unknown

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