Just Playing

I am sure many of you have seen this poem before, but I wanted to post it for those who may have not come across it before. This poem can also be used to help 'sell' the concept of play and how the skills transfer into a child's adult life. You can post each verse separately in your interest areas/centers as applicable before parent night, or better yet, keep it up all year long as a reminder that children are learning through play. Post these at Adult level because this reminder is not for the children, but for teachers, educators and families.

Just Playing

When I'm building in the block area,
Please don't say I'm "just playing."
For you see, I'm learning as I play,
About balances and shapes.
Who knows, 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."
For you see, I'm learning as I play;
I may be a mother or 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'm expressing myself and being creative.
I may be an artist or an inventor someday.

When you see me sitting in a chair
"Reading" to an imaginary audience,
Please don't laugh and think I'm "just playing.'
For you see, I'm learning as I play.
I may be a teacher someday.

When you see me combing the bushes for bugs,
Or packing my pockets with choice things I find,
Don't pass it off as "just play.'
For you see, I'm learning as I play.
I may be a scientist someday.

When you see me engrossed in a puzzle
Or some "plaything' 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 direction and see 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.

- Anita Wadley