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.

When I’m getting all dressed up,
Setting the table, caring for 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’s just playing"
For you see, I am learning as I play.
I’m expressing myself and being creative.
I may be an artist or inventor someday.

When you see me sitting in a chair "Reading" to an
Imaginary audience, please do not laugh and think I’m "just playing." For you see I’m learning as I play.
I may be a teacher one 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 playing.
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 have done at school today,
And I say, "I’ve played."
Please do not misunderstand me.
For you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning to enjoy and be successful in work.
I’m preparing for tomorrow.
Today, I’m a child and my work is play.