Play. Not Just Another 4 Letter Word

Arts Explorer # 8: Pretend Play and Magical Thinking

 Playing, imagination, creativity? Not when there is work to be done. Society today often leaves the playing for children to do. Typically, adults are always on the go, stressed and worried. However, by taking more time to make lemonade, when life throws you lemons, the same enjoyment that children have on a daily basis can easily be found in adults by letting our imaginations run wild.

This article I found in the Toronto Star brings up a valid point. Read below for the details. 

http://www.healthzone.ca/health/yourhealth/article/968573--you-docs-take-time-to-play

As this blog explores an extension of my imagination, it shows how play is not only for children:

INTRODUCING....

Name:  Iris Pod

Date of Birth: December 25, 2008

Location of Birth: Santa Barbara, California, United States of America

Language(s) Spoken:  English and French

Occupation: Radio Broadcaster

Likes: Long walks on the beach, car rides, dancing, parties

Dislikes: liquids - especially getting wet, dirty hands, playing rough

Hobbies: going shopping, travelling, baking

Family Members: lives with mom, dad and two brothers named Ivan Pod and Ian Pod

Please welcome Iris Pod! But she only likes to be called I-Pod though.  In a universe of technology, I-Pod, stands out among all the other gismos and gadgets. She is the glitter on a grey sky. She is the twinkle in my eye. More importantly, she is my best friend.  I never leave the house without her. She is glued to my hip! I-Pod’s daily routine includes taking a long commute all the way from the suburbs to downtown. She loves this daily trip, otherwise she feels bored and unwanted.

I-Pod presents me with so much entertainment. She has games to play, the latest music to listen to and a collection of pictures to view.  Wait, there’s more! I-Pod even teaches me things by allowing me to surf the internet. What more can a girl ask for in a friend?

One day, I was being so careless and hurt my dear friend Iris Pod. I allowed her to slip from my fingers and smash on the floor. Of course, I was devastated, she is my best friend! But as a faithful friend, Iris Pod, didn’t crash on me! She stood back up and is keeping strong. Though, I-Pod is a little scratched up, she never fails me as a friend and works as a charm although a little scratched up!

Line:____________________________________________________________

What is a line? What do lines form?  What’s the purpose of a line?

According to Shirrmacher and Fox (2009), a line indicates direction, movement, rhythm or form (p. 135). A line helps define a shape and enhances edges on an object. There are many purposes for lines. Lines have their own dimensions – size, direction, length, width and weight (Schirrmacher & Fox, 2009). One could say that a line has a mind of its own, a unique personality.  This art element is evident in Iris Ipod, as she is made up of short and thin lines, both horizontal and vertical. Iris Ipod also has dark lines that are smooth on my lady fingers. Indeed Iris has her own personality just like you and me.

As a future educator it is important to give children the opportunity to let their imagination run wild. I feel that with the high demands of academic success in today’s society, many of us are ‘all work and no play.’ An educator can facilitate children’s exploratory and creative development by asking the children to share a special “friend”  - whether it is an imaginary person they have, a stuffed animal from home or the plant on the window sill in the classroom.  This will help children expand their language skills and also develop a sense of openness for new ideas. 

References

Schirrmacher, R., & Fox, J. E. (2009). Art & Creative Development for Young Children (6 ed.). Belmont, CA: Delmar.