When I'm building in the block room, please
don't say I'm "Just Playing". For you see, I'm learning as I play,
about balance 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 a 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.