Just Playing

I found this poem by Anita Wadley at Pragmatic mom blog. I'm really embracing the importance of play at the moment so I thought I'd share this with you.

Just Playing

When I am 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 an architect someday.

When I am 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’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 that 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 some day.

When you see me cooking or tasting foods, 

Please don’t think that because I enjoy it, it is “Just Play.” 

For, you see, I’m learning as I play. 

I’m learning to follow directions 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 at my work, 

I’m preparing for tomorrow.

Today, I am a child and my work is play.

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