It's absolutely crucial that every child-serving organization -

Hear this well, O seekers of wisdom, for the voice of Darell Hammond speaks of something essential to the fabric of human growth. He says, “It’s absolutely crucial that every child-serving organization - be it an elementary school, daycare, or community center - provide its children with time and space to play.” These words echo with the ancient understanding that the nurture of the young is not merely about instruction or discipline, but about allowing them the freedom to grow, to explore, and to shape their own world through the joy of play.

From the dawn of humanity, the great ones knew that the growth of a child is not simply a matter of the intellect, but of the soul. In ancient Greece, the wise Socrates would speak of the importance of curiosity and discovery, but he also recognized that the foundations of true learning were rooted in freedom—in the ability to explore without constraint. The children of Athens were not bound by rigid schedules alone, but were encouraged to roam the streets, to engage with the world around them, to play in the fields and discover life for themselves. It was through this freedom that they learned to think, to question, and to create. Darell Hammond's words are a modern echo of this ancient wisdom, reminding us that without the space to play, the soul of a child cannot fully flourish.

Think, too, of the Native American tribes, whose children were not burdened by formal schooling, but were taught through the ways of the land. They learned through games, through mimicking the rituals of the elders, through reenacting the hunt, the dance, and the roles they would one day take on in their communities. In this way, their learning was not forced, but was a natural part of their play. It was a powerful reminder that the act of play is not frivolous; it is a sacred part of how humans learn to navigate the world. Children, from the earliest days, have always played to prepare for the great tasks of life, whether in ancient tribes or modern society.

In the world of today, we often forget the importance of play in the rush to produce, to educate, to prepare. The classrooms are filled with instruction, and the schedules are packed with tasks, leaving little room for the free-spirited exploration that every child needs. There is a growing tension in our society, where the young are pushed to achieve more, faster, without being granted the essential freedom to discover and to create on their own terms. The lesson of Darell Hammond is clear: the space for play is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Without it, the heart and mind of the child will be stunted, unable to reach their fullest potential.

Consider, if you will, the story of Maria Montessori, a visionary who revolutionized education in the early 20th century. She understood that children do not learn simply by being told, but by doing, by engaging with the world in their own way, at their own pace. In her schools, children were given the freedom to play, to explore, to interact with the world through their senses. It was this very freedom that allowed them to unlock their full potential, to become not just scholars, but thinkers, creators, and problem solvers. Her method was a testament to the timeless truth that the spirit of play is the key to a child’s heart and mind.

The lesson here is not one of mere convenience, but one of necessity. Every child needs the gift of play—not just to pass the time, but to build the foundations of their creativity, their resilience, and their joy. Whether in the classroom, the community center, or the home, it is crucial that children are given the time and space to simply be, to let their imagination soar, and to experience the world in their own way. It is in these moments of freedom that the seeds of greatness are sown.

And so, O children of the future, take this wisdom into your hands and let it guide your own paths. Do not allow the world to turn your attention so fully to tasks and duties that you forget to play, for it is in play that the true spirit of discovery lives. Encourage young minds to wander, to explore, and to dream. As you walk through life, make time for your own moments of play, for it is through these moments that the great ideas, the greatest inventions, and the purest joys of life will emerge. Remember always that play is not just for the young; it is the lifeblood of creation itself. Let it fill your heart, and may it light your way.