Just Playing

By:  Anita Wadley, Edmond Oklahoma

When I am building in the block area, please don’t say I’m “just playing”.  For you see, I’m learning as I play, about balances and shapes.

Who knows, I may be an architect someday.

When I am getting all dressed up, setting the table, caring for the babies, don’t get the idea that 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 and 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 “play thing” 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 someday.

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 cook 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.