Just Playing

When I'm building in the block area,
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 the clay,
Please don't let me hear you say,

"He's 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 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 to tasting foods,
Please don't think that because I enjoy it, it is "Just Playing."
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I'm learning to follow directions 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 an 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