Yesterday my post on Kindergarten Means “Garden of Children” inspired many wonderful comments. In particular, Dan Antion at nofacilities.com said this:
We have our entire lives to learn,
but the period of time we have to really play
keeps getting shorter.
Well said, Dan. Your words are a quotation for the ages. Friedrich Froebel couldn’t have said it any better.
With thanks and appreciation for your insightful words of wisdom,
Jennie
About Jennie
I have been teaching preschool for over forty years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It's the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That's what I write about.
I was a live guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I am highlighted in the seventh edition of Jim Trelease's million-copy bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital, and the Massachusetts State House in Boston.
A Teacher's Reflections 
It is vitally important
Yes!
So true 🥰
Yes! 😍
It’s so true!
Definitely!
A wonderful quote by Dan, Jennie.
Thank you, Robbie. It really is.
Wonderful photo and quote, Dan and Jennie! 🙂 Oh the keep learning that goes on during play time…
Yes, it does! Thank you, Bette. 😍
And we all know that play is really high quality learning – and like all good education, is great fun.
Yes, and yes!! 🙂
Awww, thank you, Jennie. I’ve always been inspired by your stories. I’m honored that you feel this way.
I certainly do, Dan. Thank you for your kind words and letting me know. 🙂 Your quotation was terrific!
Really
Good
Words there Dan
Dear Jennie , Such a powerful response. I’m constantly amazed at the dislike parents have over imaginative play!! Thank you for sharing yourself and observations. In God’s love Pat Pate
On Sun, Jul 12, 2020 at 11:41 AM A Teacher’s Reflections wrote:
> Jennie posted: ” Yesterday my post on Kindergarten Means “Garden of > Children” inspired many wonderful comments. In particular, Dan Antion at > nofacilities.com said this: We have our entire lives to learn, but the > period of time we have to really play keeps getting sh” >
Thank you so much, Pat. One of the reasons I started my blog is exactly for this reason- parents need to learn, too.
Nicely done by Dan. Finding time for play is so important, and sometimes overlooked in the quest for academic achievement.
Best wishes, Pete.
I think this holds true throughout our lives. I really loved Dan’s words, too. Best to you, Pete.
Taking time to play is so important, even for adults! A great quote from Dan.
My sentiments exactly, Darlene!
Yes, it is! Thank you, Darlene.
What a wonderful quote Dan. And so true! Thank you for sharing Ms. Jennie!
I’m so glad you enjoyed Dan’s quote!
That is why, as adults, we need to keep in touch with the child inside all of us.
Absolutely! 🙂
That is a great quote
Thank you!
Didn’t comment on the Kindergarten post, but loved every bit of it…so I’ll say that here and that the quote rings true…as adults we are truly the ‘keepers of our children’s childhood’ and should view that as a sacred trust.
hugs, teacher
Spot on, Laura!! It is a sacred trust. 🙂
Even though I’m considered an adult by chronological standards at age sixty-one, I still like to play on occasion. I’m still waiting to become a grandpa, but having an excuse to play is one of the things I’m most looking forward to.
I think play is as important for adults as it is for children. It keeps us fresh, and young. You will be the best grandpa on day! Best to you, Pete.
we should try to play
each and every day!
Hear, hear!
Playing is so very important – I’ve always attributed my love of storytelling and my strong imagination to the fact that I went on playing at home until I was 14… and promptly resumed playing with my children and any other nephews and nieces I could wrangle into my imaginary worlds.
It really is. I think you’re absolutely right that your imagination and storytelling comes from all your play. Lucky you! Best to you, Sarah.
Thank you, Jennie – have a safe, peaceful week:))
You too! 🙂
Children’s work is play. It’s so important to develop their minds and bodies. ❤️ I love this post.
Absolutely! Thank you, Dayne. 😍
I guess I stole that from Mr. Rogers. Just admire him so much.
I think he is the greatest teacher of all, next to Mother Nature. His words are the ones that stick. I feel the same way as you do, Dayne.
“Play is the work of children” My hero said that. (Fred Rogers)
He’s my hero, too!! I love his quote.
Dynamite picture and words from Dan. As often does, your post struck a childhood memory.
I went to a Froebel elementary school, early 1960’s in Michigan. A one room schoolhouse, boys entered the north side door, girls entered the south door. Was very different from the already existing public schools. It is now a historical building. Could this be related to the Friedrich Froebel you mentioned?
How interesting! I don’t know the answer, Ren. Hmmm…
I’m so glad you enjoyed this!!
This is so true, and a great reminder, too. Thank you Jennie! Be well and stay save. Michael