Centuries of knowledge about the importance of play
by Shona Bass | 10 November 2009 - 7:52am
I have just posted a new quote on the website dating back to the 16th century about the importance of children and play. I don’t know whether it’s the heat wave we are having here in Melbourne or what, but i am finding myself increasingly exasperated with so many in society who still raise a sceptical eyebrow or a frown forms on their face when I suggest that children actually should play and that play is important. If I see one more child holding a tennis racket that is larger than them I am going to scream!! Can’t we just stop all this hot housing of children and let them play????
Comments
As a parent of 4 children,
As a parent of 4 children, one finishing prep and another grade 2 and a 3 year old and 16 month old, and a speech pathologist, I have many opportunities to observe children and families in different environments. I wonder if school was as "full on" now compared to when we were children. The prep year from memory had the teacher playing guitar and singing. Now they are into literacy on day 1. Does this lose some of the boys, in particular, that just aren't ready to read? Wasn't prep called just that as it was to prepare them for school? Parents also seem to think that they need a computer program or something with flashing lights to help their child when in fact playing, reading books and time talking would seem the best medicine to me. Turn off the TV and leave the extra-curricular activities to age 6/7.
As a parent of 4 children,
As a parent of 4 children, one finishing prep and another grade 2 and a 3 year old and 16 month old, and a speech pathologist, I have many opportunities to observe children and families in different environments. I wonder if school was as "full on" now compared to when we were children. The prep year from memory had the teacher playing guitar and singing. Now they are into literacy on day 1. Does this lose some of the boys, in particular, that just aren't ready to read? Wasn't prep called just that as it was to prepare them for school? Parents also seem to think that they need a computer program or something with flashing lights to help their child when in fact playing, reading books and time talking would seem the best medicine to me. Turn off the TV and leave the extra-curricular activities to age 6/7.
i totally agree
i totally agree