PLAY IS FUN!

There is something precious about watching a child play. It’s not just about passing the time—it’s about discovery, joy, and the purest form of learning. Through my daughter Isabel, I’ve come to see that play is not just an activity; it’s a way of being. It is how she explores the world, how she expresses herself, and how she experiences the deepest kind of happiness. One of the most beautiful gifts I have given Isabel—and in return, she has given me—is her experience at Morning Glory, a Waldorf parent-child program. Watching her immerse herself in this nurturing environment has deepened my appreciation for the importance of play and how it shapes not only childhood but also our perspective on the world.

The Joy of Simple Play

At Morning Glory, play is slow, meaningful, and intentional. There are no flashy toys or overstimulating distractions—just natural materials, storytelling, and time to explore the world's wonders. The children have quiet time to play, dig in the sandbox or garden, care for dolls, and build imaginary worlds with simple wooden blocks. I have seen Isabel’s imagination flourish in this space, where she is free to create and express herself without limitations. Through her, I have come to realize that play doesn’t need to be complicated to be enjoyable. The simplest forms of play—stirring a pot of pretend soup, stacking stones, or cradling a handmade doll—are the most enriching. It has reminded me that joy is found in the little things, in the moments when time slows down, and in the spaces where children are allowed to just be.

Learning Through Isabel’s Eyes

Before becoming a mother, I never thought about playing in the way I do now. Through Isabel’s eyes, I see how every moment is an opportunity for wonder. She doesn’t just walk—she stops to feel the texture of the grass beneath her feet. She doesn’t just stack blocks—she builds a world of her design. Furthermore, she doesn’t just listen to stories—she lives them, reenacting them with her little voice and imagination. Watching her play at Morning Glory has also taught me the importance of patience and presence. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel like we always need to be doing something productive. But Isabel reminds me that play is productive in its way. It is the foundation of learning, creativity, and emotional growth. When I step back and watch her play, I see that she is fully engaged at the moment—something I, as an adult, strive to do.

A Love for Waldorf and the Gift of Play

One of the reasons I love Morning Glory so much is that it embraces what I’ve always believed to be true—childhood should be fun, unhurried, and full of wonder. The Waldorf approach to play is not about filling time, but about creating meaning. It has shown me the importance of rhythm, simplicity, and connection in early childhood. And more than anything, it has given me the chance to slow down and be fully present with Isabel as she grows. Play is fun, yes—but it is also the heart of childhood. Through play, Isabel is learning about the world, about herself, and about what it means to be fully alive. And through her, I am learning to embrace the beauty of play all over again.