The play that I remember most is outdoor and dramatic play, usually a combination of both. Also dancing and bike riding, this too incorporated some type of dramatic, pretend or fantasy play for me as a child. I remember playing for hours in the sand and small waves when visiting the ocean. Creating forts out of bushes and trees near our home where we would play 'house' or have thematic club. I was really into creating dance routines, comedy productions and being the lead in my group of friends. I often initiated themes and projects."Play involves a free choice activity that is non-literal, self-motivated, enjoyable and process oriented. Critical to this definition is the non-literal, non-realistic aspect. This means external aspects of time, use of materials, the environment, rules of the play activity, and roles of the participants are all made up by the children playing. They are based on the child's sense of reality" (Wardle, 1987, p. 27)." (Wardle, 2010).
When I was younger, adults provided me space, materials and freedom for play. There are differences in play for the children that surround me now as an adult than when I was a child. At home and in the preschool's where I work children are provided plenty of materials, yet limited indoor space and outdoor freedom for play. What these children do have more of than I did as a child are adult guidance and interactions. The limited outside freedom comes from increased safety issues and an increase of fear on the adults part. Also the lack of outdoor space in general. The importance of spending time with children is more consistent my life now.
Wardle, F. (n.d.). Play as curriculum. Retrieved August 1, 2010, from http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=127
