Monday, March 26, 2012

Sunday, March 25, 2012

My Connections to Play

My Connections to Play

Ok I am frustrated! I do not know why my pictures are not showing! I will try again later....














“The ability to play is one of the principal criteria of mental health.” Ashley Montagu
The Universal Nature of Play (http://www.waldorfearlychildhood.org)

“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” (http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/61105.Dr_Seuss)




My parents always encouraged us to play. I grew up in the country and had lots of room to play. I can remember sledding down the hill and running through the woods. When we were not outside my sister and I played house, Lego’s, and other games. We played cards and Monopoly as a family. When I was little I always looked forward to the weekend knowing that we would have family game night.

I don’t feel that play is the same today as it was when I was growing up. I look at my nephew, who is 18, and he grew up playing video games. His sense of imagination is not there. Technology is good to an extent but it also can cause damage.

Play has had a big role in my life. Lessons were learned and life roles learned. I am not really sure where to go from here. Play is a VERY important part of childhood and should not be pushed aside. Unfortunately in today’s time it is. There is to much focus on computers and video games. Imagination is a thing of the past.













“The ability to play is one of the principal criteria of mental health.” Ashley Montagu
The Universal Nature of Play (http://www.waldorfearlychildhood.org)

“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” (http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/61105.Dr_Seuss)




My parents always encouraged us to play. I grew up in the country and had lots of room to play. I can remember sledding down the hill and running through the woods. When we were not outside my sister and I played house, Lego’s, and other games. We played cards and Monopoly as a family. When I was little I always looked forward to the weekend knowing that we would have family game night.

I don’t feel that play is the same today as it was when I was growing up. I look at my nephew, who is 18, and he grew up playing video games. His sense of imagination is not there. Technology is good to an extent but it also can cause damage.

Play has had a big role in my life. Lessons were learned and life roles learned. I am not really sure where to go from here. Play is a VERY important part of childhood and should not be pushed aside. Unfortunately in today’s time it is. There is to much focus on computers and video games. Imagination is a thing of the past.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Relationship Reflection

Mom and Jeff

Relationships are very important to me. My relationships with my family have guided me through a lot of ups and downs over the past 15 years. My Mom has been a strong backboard for me. When I decided to go back and finish my Bachelors Degree she was there to support me and help in every way she could. She was even more supportive when I decided to get my Master’s Degree. We became very close when my Dad got sick 15 years ago. Mom and I spent every day together at the hospital and at home. It was then when I really realized the importance of having a good relationship with your parents, I was Daddy’s girl and now I am Mom’s girl. Dad will be gone 10 years this month. I miss him every day but I appreciate the relationship that I developed with my Mom during the time he was sick and since then.

My boys, Jeff and Izzy


My boyfriend Jeff has also been another positive influence in my life. He has always been there when I needed a shoulder to cry on and has been there to support me in job changing decisions and most of all being laid off! We have had our ups and downs but he has always been there for me.

My sister Karen and cousin Kathy



My sister is another person that I have developed a close relationship with over the past several years. We have two totally different personalities and have always butt heads. However life throws you hicc-ups and things change. I have always appreciated my sister’s talents, singing and acting, but resented that I had to attend every concert, play, and musical she was in. Now we are close and there to help and lean on each other daily. Unfortunately we are both going through rough times but having your sister as a best friend makes them better!


Child Care Conference 2009
When I worked at the Resource and Referral Center for Harford and Cecil Counties I made several close friendships. I still keep in touch with them today. One of my childcare trainers has been a large influence in my career decisions. I also made many friendships/partnerships with Directors and Family Providers.

Izzy

My cat, Izzy, has also been a positive influence in my life. I grew up with dogs and he is the first cat I have ever had. He has always been a lover, but since I have been laid off he has been like glue to my side. I think he knows how I am feeling and wants to be there to comfort me. He has helped my mood in a big way! I am worried what is going to happen with him when I do go back to work.


Everyone that I talked about has been very supportive in my journey in education. They see my passion and reinforce it daily. It is because of them that I am per-suing my Masters and stay in the field of Early Childhood Education! I love them all and there are so many more that support me!