Ahh, it's Wednesday again, and time to try to make it through the rest of the week. Today's post is a poem that I include every year with the orientation packets I give to my parents. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
PLAY TODAY
by Lelia P. Fagg
You say you love your children,
And are concerned they learn today?
So am I; that's why I'm providing
A variety of kinds of play.
You're asking me the value
Of blocks and other such play?
Your children are solving problems.
They will use that skill everyday.
You're asking what's the value
Of having your children play?
Your daughter's creating a tower.
She may be a builder someday.
You're saying you don't want your son
To play in that "sissy" way?
He's learning to cuddle a doll.
He may be a father someday.
You're questioning the learning centers;
They just look like useless play?
Your children are making choices;
They'll be on their own someday.
You're worried your children aren't learning,
and later they'll pay?
They're learning a pattern for learning,
For they will be learners always.
---Leila P. Fagg---
That's really something, we do hope and always do hope that trust each others.
ReplyDeleteWhy they are always asking, because they are parents. Why we are always hearing, because we are the children's education consultants :).
That's nice Ayn. What a great way to set the stage at the beginning of the year, and so much better than my technique of just lecturing the parents about the importance of play!
ReplyDeleteThat poem always gives me happy chills.
ReplyDeleteIt's one of my favorites, too.
ReplyDeleteTom, I used to do that at open house, but now I say a few words and give them the poem. (There is always the occasional parent that just doesn't "get" it, but usually they come around!)
What a wonderful poem to share with parents Ayn. Thank you for sharing it with us!!
ReplyDeleteThat's a ripper Ayn. I have a few parents in mind for this poem next week!
ReplyDeleteDonna :) :)
Thank you. I am posting this on my blog. We have had trouble this year with parents not understanding one of our teacher's classrooms that engages in a lot of creative play. Because of these conflicts, I am taking over her class next year. She will be teaching our Enrichment/Science class which is a great oppurtunity for her. Anyway....this will be a great poem to hand to parents. There WILL be play in my room!
ReplyDeleteThank you! it is a wonderful poem! I would love to share it with others:) have a great day!
ReplyDelete