Does anyone know the poem entitled PLAY?

Question

There was a poem entitled PLAY that i heard once, but now i can't find anywhere. It was about how children may seem like they are just playing with toys but instead they are preparing for their future. It was really nice and i wanted to read it my class' upcoming preschool graduation. Can anyone help???

Answer 1

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 architect someday.

When I’m 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 may be a mother or a father someday.

When you see me up to my elbows in paint or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping clay, please don’t let me hear you say, “He is 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 the 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 someday.

When you see me cooking or tasting foods, please don’t think that because I enjoy it, it is “just play”. I’m learning to follow direction 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 in my work. I’m preparing for tomorrow. Today, I am a child and my work is play.

~author unknown

Answer 2

"Play Today"

You say you love your children,

And are concerned they learn today?

So am I; that's why I'm providing

A variety of kinds of play.

You're asking me the value

Of blocks and other such play?

Your children are solving problems.

They will use that skill everyday.

You're asking what's the value

Of having your children play?

Your daughter's creating a tower.

She may be a builder someday.

You're saying you don't want your son

To play in that "sissy" way?

He's learning to cuddle a doll.

He may be a father someday.

You're questioning the learning centers;

They just look like useless play?

Your children are making choices;

They'll be on their own someday.

You're worried your children aren't learning,

and later they'll pay?

They're learning a pattern for learning,

For they will be learners always.

---Leila P. ****---