"If animals play, this is because play is useful in the struggle for survival; because play practices and so perfects the skills needed in adult life." Susana Miller
During my childhood, it was very rare that my parents let me sit around the house watching TV or playing video games or on the computer. I spent majority of my summer days and weekends playing outside with other kids in my town, at the park or using my imagination to come up with something to do. Growing up my dad worked at a park during the summer, so I would go with him and spend time playing at the park and would take day trips with other kids there to theme parks, baseball games or water parks. Looking back at my childhood I was never really bored or just sitting around. I chose the picture of dress up because it was one of my favorite things to do as a little girl. I loved to put on my moms heels and walk around pretending I was going somewhere fancy. I chose the picture of Barbie because that was my all time favorite thing to do. I am pretty sure that I didn’t stop playing with them till I was about 12 years old. Playing Barbie you were able to use your imagination and create situations and the dialogue.
I think play is very different for children today. Children today are unaware of how to use creativity and imagination to their fullest potential. I feel children today are used to getting things handed to them. Many parents are not enforcing that their children spend time outside or socialize with other children. I feel that children need have play time in school and at home. Parents should limit the amount of time spent on TV, computer and video games. Limiting these activities will in many ways force children to find other things to do to keep them entertained.
During my childhood play had a very important role. Play has helped shape me into who I am today and the way I interact with others. Play also helped me realize that I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. I want to be able to teach children what it really means to play and to express yourself through creativity and imagination.
