Amy's+Page

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**”We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”** //George Bernard Shaw// I love this quote! I think it should be used as a daily reminder to everyone that no matter what stage we are in our lives from childhood to adulthood, play is what keeps us young at heart. If we become too engrossed in our schedules and responsibilities that we ignore our basic need to play, we are risking our future happiness and will miss out on the wonderful and amazing things that can happen on our journey through life.  []

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I explored the art pad tool that is found on the following website: []. I think this would be an appropriate technology tool for young children because it allows children to use their creativity and imaginations to create something that is truly unique. It would also provide young children who may not have access to computers on a regular basis practice using a mouse. Young children can play with this tool by first selecting a paint brush and color from several different options. They can also select the thickness of the brush and the opacity of the color. After selecting from these options they are ready to create their own masterpieces on the virtual canvas. There is also an option to add text and to then print. So not only can they paint a picture they can also give it a title or write a story. If they are old enough they can type in their own story under the picture they have created or parents can become involved and the children can dictate their stories to their parents. In the same way it could be used to encourage journaling. The only unsuitable use of this tool I could think of would be if children paint inappropriate pictures. I think children should be able to use their imaginations to the fullest however some children may need some guidance from their parents to learn what may or may not be offensive to others. Having explored this tool and seeing how it could allow young children to create and then print out their very own artwork is amazing. It is a simple and easy to use tool that I think doesn’t come with any real risks. I would rate this tool as a 4 not a 5 because it does have it’s limitations as to the options that can be used.
 * A technology tool for young children: Art Pad**

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I thought this was a great video because it discusses the importance of play through the eyes of children. The children in this video use their own words to explain why play is so important. A common theme among all of them is that play provides opportunities for them to make new friends and connect with one another. They learn how to resolve conflicts, share toys and most importantly have fun together! They may not realize that they are learning at the same time.

I saw this comic strip and just had to post it as part of my final thoughts about play. This course has provided me with an enormous amount of information about the benefits of play. Now it is time to share this information with teachers, parents, administrators and other professionals about how play is a key component in the development of children. Before taking this course, I knew play was important but I didn’t realize how important until now. I would like to think that people would see the value in play if only the research and information was distributed in a way that got everyone’s attention. We need to stand up and be heard when it comes time for policies and funding to be determined regarding play. Let's make a change!