My Connections to Play

“Play is the work of the child.” – Maria Montessori

“Play is the highest form of research.” – Albert Einstein

A couple more quotes...

“The playing adult steps sideward into another reality; the playing child advances forward to new stages of mastery.” – Erik H. Erikson

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

“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct.” – Carl Jung

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” – George Bernard Shaw

“Do not keep children to their studies by compulsion but by play.” – Plato

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” - Fred Rogers

The three toys I could not go without growing up




Describe how people supported play when you were younger and/or the role of play in your childhood.

My grandmother was the best cook I've ever seen, and I wanted to cook just like her. So, my mother bought me an easy baked oven. I loved that toy. I was also I tom boy. I enjoyed games and cars, so my mother bought me toys that helped me to grow freely. When I was younger, I was allowed to play outside all day until the street lights came on, and I took full advantage to that rule. I loved playing outside. I believe that is something that children are missing now. Outside play was where we researched, exercised, grew socially, and implemented our imagination. It was bliss......

I try to raise my children the same way, but society is growing up our children so fast. The lack of censorship on everything ( even cartoons, and the crime rate are some of the issues we face now.


Live, learn, and Educate,


Ashley Wilkins-Miller