Just Playing: People watching at Chowpatty beach - Part 4

Dear Readers,

A handful of my friends are parents, fortunately they do understand the "power of play".

I came across this beautiful poem on the internet today (it seems the author is unknown) and I thought I would share it.

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.
Who knows, I may be an architect someday.

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 direction and see differences.
I may be a cook 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.

For those of you who would like to donate story books, there are a few books remaining from Humane Touche school's wish list. These books were carefully selected, hence please hop over to their Amazon wish list and be generous. The shipping address is included in the registry and the books will be directly shipped. (Sorry, no used books, please, as these do not always fit with the school's requirements and may not gel with the background/culture of the children in this school - such as Enid Blyton and midnight feasts - best avoided)

PS: This photograph was taken at Chowpatty beach on October 2, 2010. The mother of these children did not mind the photograph being taken and put on my blog.