A lost art?

Today's children have different ways of playing than adults may remember from their childhoods. Is this a problem or merely a reflection of changing times?

What comes to mind when you think of play as a kid? Here are some examples from an informal poll I took:

• Playing with dolls
• Playing games like "Mother May I?" or "Red Light, Green Light."
• Building a fort or tree house
• Playing tag, kick ball, or other physical games
• Playing with action figures
• Playing in the dirt or in the sand box

Chances are, you either agree with an item on the list, or immediately thought of a new item to add. Many adults look back on their play experiences as a child fondly, and wish for their own children to have similar experiences.

But are today's children having those experiences. Observe any child today, and you might assume that play today includes watching television, playing computer or electronic games, talking on the phone, chatting online with friends or taking part in an organized activity. Are these the experiences today's children will recall fondly when they are thirty or fifty? Do you know a child who doesn't know how to play hopscotch or jump rope, skip, or blow bubbles with bubble gum? Sadly, I do. One five year old child couldn't skip when asked to and angrily said he didn't know how because he hadn't been taught.

Do we need to teach our children to play? Of course we do! How else will they learn? They don't just learn to play games or use their imaginations from nothing. They need guidance. They need somebody to encourage them to play, and to teach them games or provide them opportunities. Then they, in turn, can encourage their friends and we will see more and more children "just playing." Just because times are changing, it doesn't mean play is losing importance. In fact, it may be more important than ever. Future employers want workers with creative energy and the ability to work well with others. It starts in childhood. It starts with play.