My Connection to Play

Quotes of Play

Play energizes us and enlivens us. It eases our burdens. It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens us up to new possibilities.

Stuart Brown, MD- Contemporary American psychiatrist

Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.” – O. Fred Donaldson

Music, Books, and Paper and Writing Utensil

 

As a child the only items I need to play and have fun was music, book, or a pencil and some paper.

 

Support play

I was raised mostly by grandmother as a child. She fostered my desire to read and write by bringing home books, magazines, and newspaper comics for me to read. My grandmother use to also save posters, cardboard, and different types of paper for me to write on. I went through several stages of wanting to be an artist, singer, and even doctor. During each one of my stages my grandmother provided the necessary crops so I could be who and what ever I wanted to be in dramatic play.

Play Today

Technology has changed play for this generation. As a child I spent a lot of time playing outside and exploring nature. This was how I learned to make friends and developed my love for nature and an active lifestyle. Children today spend so much time playing video games, watching television, or playing on the computer that they miss out on playing with friends and exploring the natural items outside. My hope is that we can show children the joys of playing the old-fashion way.

Reflection of Play through life

Play throughout my childhood and adult life has been used as therapy for me. I mastered dramatic play as a child and now armed with a book, music, or a pen and paper I can escape a rough day or make a good day better. The 3 items I needed as a child to play are the same items I use today to relax, cope and enjoy life. I feel as if I’m a true kid at heart. I dance, laugh, and have fun acting silly with my students and son.  I get the most enjoyment of taking my son to the nature park and running around with him. I’m 29 but when most people meet me they think I’m barely 21. I give my love for children and appreciation of play the credit for my youthful look. I work hard but I play harder.

It's been over 15 years since I rolled down a hill but I couldn't let the opportunity pass me by!

 

Reflections & Reflections

Relationships & Reflection

Relationships have a way of enhancing life when times are good and helping you get through during times of distress. I value relationships because I understand how they help make me a better person. Relationships occur from love ones, work, family, school, and any other time people share a common interest and as a result spend time together.  I believe it’s important to be able to help the people that you have a relationships with  but also have a network of p people that you can count on in life. 

Whitney Seabron is my best friend of 17 years. Our friendships have endured ups, downs, children, marriages, and living in different states. Everyone needs that one person that truly knows and understands them. My relationship with Whitney is important because I can always can’t on her to tell me how it is and to have my back.

The relationship that I have with my dad contributes, Melvin Whitten contributes to the relationship that I have with my husband.  My dad throughout the years has been my back bone and installed in me not to give up! When life throws lemons you make lemonade. I feel that my dad prepared me for marriage because he showed what to look for in a man and how to fight for what you love!

My husband Enrico Mayes Sr and son Enrico Mayes Jr motivate me to be the best person I can be every day. The unconditional love that I receive from them inspires me to push forward, do my best, and make a difference in the world that we live in !

 

My grandmother is my all the time role model. Her words of wisdom stick with me as a mother, wife, and teacher. I remember when I left my grandmother’s house to go to college she told me, you don’t know who knows me or our family? Make our family proud! My grandmother’s words play in my mind every day and I try my best to make sure that everything that I do makes her and my family proud!

My circle is small and I have grown to appreciate that. Over the years I’ve had people take my kindness for granted and I’ve had to learn how to choose my friends and people that I associate with wisely. I believe the key to maintaining and developing relationships is accepting people for who they are and honesty. We all make mistakes. I try my best to help people with words of encouragement and positivity. If I can’t bring you up I don’t want to pull you down. As a teacher I use my positivity to make my students and families smile and bring optimism to my child care center.