“the imagination itself becomes a key feature of development – a central mechanism in communication; something that allows us to explore and respect diversity and to conceive of and create change”
- Sandra Smidt, p. 54 in "The Developing Child in the 21st Century"
I just ran across this quote when working on my final reflection for our Early Childhood Development course. I had written in the margin beside it the word "Selah", a term used many times in the Christian Bible which means to pause and think on this. So I paused and thought about it. Imagination is a precursor for change, selah...In a world where much change is needed, there is hope in the imagination. How lightly I used to esteem play before taking this course! Now that I understand the importance of play and exploration in child development, I have so much more reverence for the blessing that is childhood. This world would benefit if we all endeavored to keep the child inside us alive.
I think as we grow older, we forget how to use our imagination. I have found a new respect for imaginative play with my children and have made a point of getting involved in it more often, though it is still difficult.
ReplyDeleteI want to thank you for being my discussion partner! I have really enjoyed how we make each other reach further in our studies and challenged each other. I took a peek at our next class and our whole group is in discussion together again! :) I'm looking forward to it!
Love the quote about imagination. I am big on children using their own imagination. Video games, tv, and other media block children from using their own imagination. Great post!!!
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