why play? rolling down hills

When I was doing my research on play, I read a lot of interesting information. If you ever get the chance, do a google search on the importance of play in early childhood. It is astounding to me how “they” (meaning the people in charge of education in our country) continue to ignore the research and push down academics to younger and younger children. However, if I get on THAT soapbox, I’ll be there a while, lol. So instead, let’s focus on play!

Dr. Bruce Perry says “Play takes many forms, but the heart of all play is pleasure. If it isn't fun, it isn't play”. Think back to yesterday’s exercise of remembering a childhood play memory. Did it bring a smile to your face? Play is fun! Now think about a fun time you had as an adult. For me, one that came immediately to my mind was rolling down a hill with the kids at a park here in town. It is just a tiny incline, but a few years ago when I took the kids there, I asked them if any of them had ever rolled down a hill. None of them had, so of course, we had to do it. I plopped myself down on the ground and showed them how it was done, lol. Now every time we go to that park, we have to roll down that hill. It is my hope that seeing me let loose and have fun rolling down hills will be a memory that sticks with these kids and they know that it is okay to play and be silly, even when you are a “grown-up”.

What was the last silly thing you did?