Just Playing

When I'm 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

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 directions and see differences
I may be a chef 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

- Anite Wadley





Sometimes the most important that you can gain in your life is a change of perspective.