I believe that in order to have a fulfilled life, you need to have play! Life with money, and success is nothing without the memories and laughter of play spent with family and friends.
I have had an on going debate with a colleague over the merits of playful literature in the classroom. I feel that the poetry of Shell Silverstein (and other comedic children's poets) is very much a necessary component of teaching poetry to children. My colleague disagrees and feels that the writing we expose children to should only be deep and meaningful. As a person who has always liked reading novels and writing short stories more than poetry this goes against everything that I believe it! I feel that introducing students to funny poems that they can enjoy will allow them to find a type of poetry that they enjoy, and will encourage them to read more! Isn't that what we want, for them to read more?
This conversation started a debate about the kind of books we allow kids to read. I think its good if they read Captain Underpants or ANYTHING if it means they are loving to read! My colleague disagrees and feels that they should be reading only books that makes them see the world in a better light. While I do feel that reading deep literature and literature that brings out more in them is important, I also feel that reading something that brings out laughter and pleasure is equally important. Kids need to see that laughing and playing is a part of themselves that they shouldn't forget about. What's wrong with seeing a Will Ferrel movie to blow off steam? After seeing a stupid movie that makes you laugh for two hours, its easy to forget the important stuff thats going on, even if only for a little bit.
We should all encourage that our family and friends take a few moments to enjoy life! Take a walk, play a game, see a funny movie, go on a vacation! These are the things that we remember from our childhood, and these are the things that will be remembered when we're gone! Not how much time we spent at work, or how much time we spent cleaning, but the valuable time we spent with the people we love, having a good time at play.
5 comments:
I totally agree. Shell Silverstein is an amazing poet and the kids love him! Kids will remeber his poetry because it brings laughter to the moment. Play is important in everyones life from babies to adults. Work hard, PLAY hard!
I have to agree with you. I think kids should be exposed to things that have meaning, but they should be able to enjoy the fun stuff too!!! I still remember Shell Silverstein and how trying to take out one of his books from the library in elementary school was almost impossible! There was such a long waiting list.
I completely agree with you. As a reading teacher I'm thrilled to see kids reading anything. The more they read the more they will enjoy it. The great literature will come in time as their tastes mature. The "play" of Capt. Underpants is as important as the high art of Jane Austen in the formation of a well rounded individual. I'm so glad you connected reading and play. I'm with you on that.
Marissa, my son is a product of allowing him to read Captain Underpants, because he didn't like to read when he was little. He liked being read to though. Anyway, today he loves to read, even though he prefers to read items of interest. Reading has to be fun and not thought of as the" have to reading summer list" of books. Play in life keeps you young. You are right when you say what makes the difference is the "Play" time we spend with loved ones. Play is exercise for the body and mind.
I totally agree that play needs to be factored into everyday life. I had a discussion with a kindergarten teacher about her classroom. She had to present evidence in the form of research in order to set up play areas in her classroom. She explained how it is incredibly important to socialize and interact with others through play. It also breaks up the academic day for children who are only 5 years old. I am all about academics at that age but I also feel that children need to experience building things to encourage imaginary thinking. They also need a chance to roll play with each other in order to create social situations that they will encounter later on in life. You are so right, play is so important in everyday life!!
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