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Just Playingby Anita WadleyTaken from the Early Childhood News MagazineWhen I am building in the block room, please don’t say I’m “just playing”. For yousee, I’m learning as I play, about balance and shapes. Who knows, I may be anarchitect someday.qWhen I’m getting all dressed up, setting the table, caring for the babies, Don’t getthe idea I’m “just playing”. For, you see, I’m learning as I play; I may be a mother ora father someday.When you see me up to my elbows in paint or standing at an easel, or molding andshaping clay, please don’t let me hear you say, “He is just playing”. For, you see, I’mlearning as I play. I’m expressing myself and being creative. I may be an artist or aninventor someday.When you see me sitting in a chair “reading” to an imaginary audience, please don’tlaugh and think I’m “just playing”. For, you see, I’m learning as I play. I may be ateacher someday.When you see me combing the bushes for bugs, or packing my pockets with choicethings I find, don’t pass it off as “just play”. For you see, I’m learning as I play. I maybe a scientist someday.When you see me engrossed in a puzzle or some “plaything” at my school, pleasedon’t feel the time is wasted in “play”. For, you see, I’m learning as I play. I’mlearning to solve problems and concentrate. I may be in business someday.When you see me cooking or tasting foods, please don’t think that because I enjoyit, it is “just play”. I’m learning to follow direction and see differences. I may be acook 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”, pleasedon’t misunderstand me. For you see, I’m learning as I play. I’m learning to enjoyand be successful in my work. I’m preparing for tomorrow. Today, I am a child andmy work is play. ***10