You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. ― Plato
In Feb 2006, Sir Ken Robinson presented a very popular TED Talk. Seen over 31 million times “How schools kill creativity” suggests that schools treat children’s bodies as if they are only there to support their little heads. It is a funny and compelling talk, but sadly not much has changed since then.
Since children aren’t in a position to change the situation, we must. The challenge is that we are in the same boat. While we would love to rescue children from constant preparation for tests, the stress associated with constant test taking, and disappearance of childhood, we are too busy working harder with less.
The answer is play. Play is in our DNA. If we understand the need for children to have recess, aren’t we just big kids with the same needs?
The airlines tell us to put on our oxygen masks before we do the same for our children. Let’s get those masks on now.
Do less and you will do more.
- Less email and more in person conversations.
- Less meetings and spending more time walking around and building relationships.
- Less heads down in work, and more time making sure we are doing the right things.
Give yourself recess and time to play. The result will be a clear head and the happiness that comes from simply having fun.
With that, there’s no telling what you can do – perhaps even teach your kids a game or two.
Have a great week!
Tina Nocera, Founder
