When I am building with blocks, please don’t say I’m “Just Playing.” For, you see, I’m learning about balance and shapes. I may be an an architect someday.
When you see me up to my elbows in paint, or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping with clay, don’t get the idea I’m “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 choice things I find, don’t pass it off as “Just Play.” For, you see, I’m learning as I play. I may be a scientist someday.
When you see me engrossed in a puzzle or some “plaything” at my school, please don’t feel that time is wasted in “Play.” For, you see, I’m learning as I play. I’m learning to solve problems and concentrate. I may be in business some day.
When you see me cooking or tasting foods, please don’t think that because I enjoy it, it is “Just Play.” For, you see, I’m learning as I play. I’m learning to follow directions and see differences. I may be a chef someday.
When you see me learning to skip, 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 me 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 at my work, I’m preparing for tomorrow. Today, I am a child and my work is play."
[Poem by Anita Wadley, Photos © Community Nursery School, cnslex.org]
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