My Connections to Play.... Week:4 Effective Programs and Practices

My Connections to Play

                                             

                    

                                       
                 

                                                                                              

         

Here are some of the essential play items that I enjoyed from my younger years :)

 Play was an important role in my house as a child with 5 children. 

 I can remember when I was younger my grandparents basement was full with all of our toys and games.  

We had roller skates, roller blades, scooters, bikes, big wheels, jump ropes, basketballs, baseballs, footballs, soccer balls, hula hoops, Frisbee and anything else that would keep us kids busy playing outside.

Having four sibling was a lot of fun at times however it was also challenging at times too.  While playing together we had to learned how to share with each other, take turns, cooperate, be nice, and solve our problems.  "Sometimes playing was hard work". :/    

     

 I think play is different today from when I was a child because children are not engaged in as much physical activities outside as I was as a child. 

Children today spend most of their time in the house on their cell phones, computer, playing video games, or watching t.v. 

 

                                                                                         
                           

                                            

I really wish children of today had more opportunities to experience activities outside that I had when I was a child.

I can remember that I had so much fun playing outside that I did not want to come inside to eat dinner. :) My mom would call us and call us to come inside and we would say "5 more minutes mom please". ;) 

Laughing, smiling, jumping and running is what we called playing when I was younger and spending time outside with my friends and siblings was the best part of my childhood.  

Having a connection with my peers and enjoying our play time is what life was all about as a child for me.  

     

As an adult I still love to play and have fun! :)  I have grown to be a very competitive person.  I enjoy playing basketball (especially one on one with my daughter) ;) and I enjoy nature and being outside going on hikes, riding bikes, camping and fishing.   

    

Week: 2 Effective Program & Practices.... Current Relationships

                             Relationship Reflection

             Why relationships are important to me.

Relationships are important to me because they show how much I am wanted, needed, and valued to the people in my life.

The most important thing that I have gained from the relationships in my life is LOVE.  

I believe that there is no genuine relationship without giving love and receiving love.  

Whether is it giving  time, attention, money or just a smile, true genuine relationships is all about showing that you truly care.  

I appreciate the people in my life that I have built relationships with because they have touched a part of me and contributed to the woman I am today.   

I would like to give a big shout out to my 14 year old daughter Jada and my Fiance of 8 years Ben, for standing by me and supporting me while I attend college.  They are my biggest supporters, my life and my joy and they have been by my side through all the bad times and good times.  I love them so much and could not imagine my life without either of them.

These special relationship that I have formed with my family and friends has allowed me to experience trust, loyalty, honesty, understanding, love, and appreciate likes and differences with amazing positive people.

 A recent article that I read Building Positive Relationships by (Campbell 2014) states that, 

"One of the most profound experiences we can have in our lives is the connection we have with other human beings. Positive and supportive relationships will help us to feel healthier, happier, and more satisfied with our lives". 

Accept and celebrate differences.

Listen effectively. 

Give people your time.

Develop your communication skills.

 Learn to give and take feedback. 

Develop empathy. 

I believe that my positive personal relationships with my family and friends impact my work as an effective early childhood professional because I take away learning how to ensure that the relationship I have are positive ones.  I accept the fact that all my children and families are all different.  I actively listen to hear what my children and families have to say.  I give my families my time and “be present” when I am with them.  I work on developing my professional communication skills.  I have learned to give and take constructive feedback, be more understanding and empathetic and treat people as I would like to be treated myself.  

With these strategies I hope to continue to develop more positive and healthy relationships with not only my family and friends but the young children and families in and around my community. 

Reference:

http://www.education.com/reference/article/building-positive-relationships-students/