Let Them Play (article from Teacher Magazine on edweek.org)
This article brought back vivid memories from my undergrad days at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. It is a quiet morning in class with one of our favorite profs, Dr. O. She has led extensive discussions with us about the power of play in the life of young children, but now she is giving us the rare opportunity to role play. At first. we all looked hesitantly at each other. We are 19 and 20 year old undergrads too cool to play with toys. But guess again. In no time, the tubs of blocks, puzzles, and dolls are no longer on the table in the corner. They are scattered here and there all over the carpet as we delve into our role playing activity with relish. After the 15 minute timer goes off, we are now hesitant to end our time of play. True, we had had a lot of fun. But more importantly, we had created closer bonds as a class. And that was all it took. A mere fifteen minutes on the floor with some toys. That morning was never forgotten by me or any of my other classmates. It was something we often brought up when we were sitting in other classes. It was a common experience we had all been a part of. An opportunity to interact with one another in a different way than just pure academics. Differences of educational philosophy were put aside and we just got to know each other for who we were and not what we could do. I, too, am now a strong advocate for play in the classroom. It doesn't take long, but it builds community and strengthens a wide variety of interpersonal skills. How can we not make time for play?
