My fifth grade classroom really does not incorporate play because of all the material and curriculum guidelines that are put forth. Today I included some form of play by having them act. They were given a Shel Silverstein poem, and they had to come up with a skit that acted out the poem. This allowed for free thinking and imagination. The kids were very eager to do the activity and did an exceptional job using their imaginations to come up with their skits. Even though this is a small form of play, it did incorporate social activity, movement and imagination. The students loved it, and even asked if we could do it again tomorrow. I start my kindergarten placement in a little over a week and I am really looking forward to it. I will be able to see play all around me and observe the affects it has on children, which I am not able to see as much now.

This week has really opened me up to the politics and reality of the future of education. Right now our district has had to cut a lot of aids, prep time, etc. for money reasons and for time spent on academic instruction. They want a curriculum that consists of reading, writing and math. Specials such as music, gym and even recess may eventually be eliminated. At the moment we have two recesses a day, and I cannot tell you how important that play time is. The thought of having to delete one of these is really sad, and sadly most schools are facing this possibility because of the expectations government has on our schools. In the readings I have done for this course I have seen how schools are moving into a curriculum focused directly on academic instruction, but now it I am able to see the sad reality.

Last week I had recess duty for two days so I was able to see the children in a free playing experience and environment. Even though the students are mostly 11 years old, make believe play is still very evident. When I was playing with them, we played a game where you had to act out a person. I also notice a lot of physical play. They love to run around and get their energy out. I see that without this physical play, when we are back in the classroom they are more wound up and prone to acting up or not paying attention. It's funny because most teachers hate having recess duty, but I really enjoy it. It lets me see the children outside of the classroom setting, and it also lets me see their personality more. They seem to be more social while they play and act more like kids. It surprises me the most that even though they are 11 they still play like little kids, and I enjoy that : )