Just Playing

In my preschool classroom we put up a bulletin board, as seen in the photo of pictures that had been taken throughout the year. We used the poem “Just Playing” to demonstrate that even though it may look like the students are just playing, it is more than play, it’s their work. This bulletin board shows all the different ways play can impact a person’s decisions down the road and what they are learning. In preschool we many times hear parents say “I want to see more teaching and learning, rather than so much play”. At this time the poem “Just Playing” becomes very helpful, as it shows what happens during a child’s play. Adults may think that in order to learn books are needed with core learning and the teacher needs to be the main focus and teach them every concept. If this were true, students would be missing out on individual learning and the teachers would be burnt out. A child play is their work and this poem describes just what learning is taking place in many situations during the day. So if you are a parent, just remember how important play is for a child and encourage it!

             Just Playing

When I'm building in the block room,
Please don't say I'm "Just playing."
For, you see, I'm learning as I play,
About balance, I may be an architect someday.

When I'm getting all dressed up,
Setting the table, caring for the babies,
Don't get the idea I'm "Just Playing."
I may be a mother or a father someday.

When you see me up to my elbows in paint,
Or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping clay,
Please don't let me hear you say, "He is Just Playing."
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I just might be a teacher someday.

When you see me engrossed in a puzzle
or some "playing" at my school,
Please don't feel the 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."
I'm learning to follow directions and see the 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 in my work.
I'm preparing for tomorrow.
Today, I am a child and my work is play.

~Author Unknown