With age came responsibilities and I just forgot the essence of play. I recall play was such a wonderful activity which I enjoyed being emotionally, mentally, and physically engaged. It was filled with intrinsic motivation, which now I struggle to find a lot in many activities. Maybe now I am an adult, no play exists in my life except work. Being a child has it's own luxury, the luxury to play. Back then I didn't mind being adventurous and taking risk. It was all about the process and now all I find is work which demands reasonable risk and best outcome.
So, why did I stop playing? I discovered the answer after my third session in EAS409. The growing age provided me duties. It was the end of delight and intrinsic motivation when I lost the autonomy to choose what I wanted to play, and grownups told me that playing is not learning. To learn, I need to get a book. I guess that's why I stopped playing.
This reflection made me understand how factors such as chronological age, initiatives, and social and cultural context can affect play. As a teacher, I think it’s crucial to address these factors to make play a vital part of learning for children. In today’s fast-paced world, children’s schedules are often packed with structured activities and academic pressures, leaving little room for free play. The societal emphasis on productivity and achievement can unintentionally diminish the value of play, labeling it as mere leisure rather than a powerful learning tool. Additionally, safety concerns and limited outdoor spaces in urban settings restrict opportunities for adventurous and explorative play. Cultural perceptions also play a role, some communities may prioritize formal education over playful learning, viewing play as unproductive. Recognizing these challenges, I believe it’s my responsibility as a teacher to create a balanced learning environment that celebrates play as an essential element of growth. By integrating playful learning experiences and advocating for unstructured playtime, I hope to nurture curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning in my students, ensuring that play remains a cherished part of their childhood.
Your reflection really resonates, it’s something so many of us experience but rarely put into words. Growing up, play felt limitless, full of curiosity and adventure, but somewhere along the way, responsibilities took over, and play became a luxury rather than a necessity. It’s heartbreaking how society often equates play with a lack of productivity when, in reality, it’s one of the most natural ways to learn and grow. The fact that you’re recognizing this and want to bring that joy back into learning for children is beautiful. You’re not just teaching; you’re giving kids the space to hold onto something that so many of us lost too soon. Keep holding onto that belief ,your students will be lucky to have a teacher who understands the true value of play. Fighting chingu.
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