MY CONNECTION TO PLAY

"If it's not fun, you're not doing it right."

Author: Bob Basso

"Play is the work of childhood." Author: Unknown

 

"To imagine the unimaginable is the highest use of the imagination."

Author: Cynthia Ozick

 

 

 

 

 When I look back at my childhood. I do see that we could play in the neighborhood with our friends. We were allowed to have friends and we would sometimes come together and play in the sand and we also did chores like fetching water together, which our families needed, and children were the ones who helped to do this. As long as we are in our friend's company, it is still fun.
With others in the community we would rule six squares in the sand ans there was a way we would jump and skip that determined whether you won or lost. We also played a girls' game called, ten- ten, in which we are actively clapping and throwing legs, and you either win or loose by the leg you put forward, if it is left or right.  My parents allowed us to go and play once we are done with our chores, I do not remember coming home with homework from school that early, 6yrs and +.

Some weekends, Dad would also take us out to the beach or to the amusement park and those told me a lot that I was loved and cared for. We were allowed to make choices and we would spend the whole day in one adventure after the other. 

Oh, I remember the universal play that every girl child plays. Pretend play as mums, who cooks for her dear children. empty cans were the pots and enough broomsticks are available for to function as spoons.

Play now is different, although, occasionally we find some of what we used to have. The gender pretend play of girls adoring their dolls. We still find the pretend cooking. However, we find these days children who would rather stay in front of the screen.  I wish that everyone understood the essence of creative, constructive play so that we encourage better development in our children.

Like Rivera Miquela (2009) said in  The Powerful Effect of Play IN A CHILD'S EDUCATION
, Play in adolescence shifts slowly to "work" that continues into adulthood. Unfortunately, some people trade their "childish toys" for a "career," unwittingly setting aside the activity that fostered their creativity, enabled their growth, and taught them important lessons. Fortunate are those whose career is a form of play - mastery and continued building of competence-for which one gets paid!  This is my idea of quality life, for my carrer to be a form of play. I believe that adults need time to unwind and free their minds like children.

RELATIONSHIP REFLECTION

If God had intended us to be alone, there would be more pleasure in massaging our own shoulders. ~Robert Brault, www.robertbrault.com

 

Some people come into our lives and quickly go.  Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.  ~Flavia Weedn, Forever, © Flavia.com


RELATIONSHIP IS EVERYTHING. Author unknown.

I heard this some years ago and it left an imprint on my heart and generated some guiding principles in my life. For instance;

PEOPLE ARE NOT TO BE COMPARED WITH THINGS.

HUMAN RESOURCES ARE THE GREATEST ASSETS OF ANY SUCCESSFUL ORGANIZATION.

Every human being with the exception of none cannot live alone.

  People in my life Currently who are important to me

My love, Theophilus Allagoa.

My husband is so supportive of my goals and missions in life. He available to listen when I get back from a busy day. He guides and offers help when things do not go the way we expect in the school. From the onset of the school, he supports us financially. provides accomodation for some of our staff and joins us in some of our visitation to families. I do not know what I would do without him. Thank you heartthrob, for all that you ve been, I hope that you can say this good about me,

Praise and Theo, intertwined

My reasons for living, From the left, Edmund, Deborah, Theodora and Eric.

My children give me intrinsic reasons for wanting to be my best. I feel like I have to model for them what they must view life as. I love you!

I cannot do without them, my preschoolers.

The children in our program are the most adorable. They call me mummy Praise El and it gives me a sense of fulfillment. They have given me (us) the opportunity to impact life and we see positive change everyday. our end of session event was so great as they all performed on stage . Hey little mighty men, I am so proud of you.

Praise El schools Parents Teachers Forum Executives

Left to right: Praise and Nyiedum

My fellow early childhood practitioner who is always available to lend listening ears and to give professional counsel each time I have the need to go to her. God Bless You!

Vera Kelly, our Trusted  program coordinator
Mrs Kelly is a rare Gem. A leader who serves selflessly. Sometimes in life, God sends us angels to make life's smoother. 

The team that is making a difference.

If all other resources were available without any limitation, I still would not impact young lives positively without you guys. You are the best.

One thing that can pose as a challenge to developing relationship is the threat of busy schedule. We get too busy that we forget to do the little things that matter. things like listening, giving assurances that we are there to support. We allow consistency to dwindle and die. 

The special feature of these meaningful relationship include:

Ability to be available when needed.

Ability to listen.

Ability to be consistent.

Empathy.

Going the extra mile when it is not convenient.

My experiences with relationships make me understand that every one in any kind of partnership must constantly generate a sense of commitment and one must devote time above all else to grow the relationship.