Just Playing by Anita Wadley (1979)

When I’m 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 maybe 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 “she’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
“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 fi nd,
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 playFor, 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 playFor, 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 athlete someday.
When you ask me what I did 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 work.
I’m preparing for tomorrow.

Today, I’m a child and my work is play