Some people talk about play as if it were a relief from serious learning; but, for children, play is serious business.
It provides a way for them to express strong feelings about important events in their lives. Play gives children a chance to work out problems on their own, to cope with anxieties, and to prepare for life as an adult by pretending about being grown up.
Through play, children discover the world and learn more about themselves. -- Fred Rogers
Materials
marker
paper (large sheet)
puppets or stuffed animals
Directions
Help your children learn to distinguish between safe play and aggressive, unsafe play.
Discuss Talk to your children about being safe and respecting others when playing. Ask: What are some ways to play more safely with others? Together, brainstorm a list of helpful guidelines, and post it on a large sheet of paper. For example:
DO ask if someone else wants to play.
DO take turns.
DON'T hit, push, kick, or bite.
DON'T wreck another child's work.
Role-play Help younger children explore the issue by role-playing safe behavior in various situations. Older children can use stuffed animals or puppets to act out safe play scenarios with each other. Suggest positive ways your children can correct unsafe play (for example, helping another child rebuild a structure that was knocked down, and apologizing).
Take It Further
Keep your brainstorm a list-on-hand for future use. When situations arise, remind your children of the guidelines they helped establish.
Airs M-F from 2:00-2:30 p.m.
11/4 Amazing Grace (Show 802)
Grace is a little girl who wants to be Peter Pan in the school play. She runs into obstacles because she is black and female, but refuses to give in. Join LeVar on a visit with Whoopi Goldberg - Actress/comedian Whoopi Goldberg, shares some of her experiences. Scenes from many of her movies and specials are shown.Watch a female hockey player in action - Lauren is a successful hockey player in a sport that is typically all male. Discover what a boiler mechanic does - Sheila tells her story of training for a career as a boiler mechanic, and shares some of the challenges of being employed in a predominately male field.
Some people talk about play as if it were a relief from serious learning; but, for children, play is serious business. 
Materials 
