"Play is a Child's Work, Work is a Child's Play."

 

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When you come to school and see me at play

Please keep in mind that I learn every day

You'll see me in the housekeeping, being "the Dad"

Feeding the dolls, dressing up in a hat

My play's really practice for when I am grown

Caring for and loving children of my own.

When you see me use blocks of all shapes and sizes

Building skyscrapers and several high-rises

I learn complex reationships - forging a path

That lays a foundation leading to math.

At art I get messy and have lots of fun

But there's also important work being done

I learn to make choices, us my arms, fingers, hands

Express thoughts and feelings and carry out plans

And when my creativity comes alive

It expands and develops for the rest of my life.

Throughout my day my learning's ongoing

I learn to use words instead of hitting or throwing

I'm faced with decisions, so problems I'm solving

With this comes self-esteem, confidence, loving

When I play I learn - when I learn I feel good

About all the things that are in my world.

These experiences teach me that learning is cool!

And that's the best lesson to learn in my school

So please understand that my work is play

Each part of my school enriches my day!

by Mary Payson