(adapted from Anita Wadley, 1974)
When I am building in the block room, please don't say I am "just playing."
For, you see: I'm learning as I play - learning about balance and shapes.
Who knows? I may be an architect some day.
When I am 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 some day.
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 some day.
When you see me 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 some day.
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 some day.
When you see me engrossed in a puzzle or some plaything at my school,
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 some day.
When you see me cooking or tasting foods,
please don't think that - because I enjoy it - it is "just play."
For, you see: I'm learning as I play. I am learning to follow directions and see differences.
I may be a cook some day.
When you see me learning to skip, hop, run, and move my body,
please don't say I am "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 some day.
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 am learning to enjoy and be successful in my work.
I'm preparing for tomorrow. Today, I am a child and my work is play.
