A play-based curriculum differs from traditional curricula in more than one way by focusing on the child and how play is more than just fun- it is crucial in their growth. Kids don’t only enjoy themselves when they play, they pick up some vital skills too such as solving problems, imagination, socializing, and even intelligence. This article will discuss how more young children should adapt to this play-based approach.
Why Consider Play Based Learning
- Cognitive Development: Childrens thought processes and ideas can grow through experimenting and brainstorming during play.
- Developing Emotions and a Social Life: Having empathy, developing a sense of self and learning how to resolve conflicts are all essential skills that children will learn when they play.
- Improving Linguistic Skills: Grammar and vocabulary are only two of the many things a child gets better at when they play.
- Becoming Physically Active: Kids who play have an easier time doing challenging tasks such as drawing, jumping and building.
Approaches to Helping a Child Adapt to Play-Based Learning
There are numerous ways through which you can help a child grow with play-based methods, consider the following:
- Use Different Materials: The last thing you would want is to limit a child’s imagination. Use blocks, dolls, art and craft supplies and nature in order for the child’s creativity to blossom.
- **Maintain a Therapeutic and Comfortable Environment: ** Strive to enhance the level of cleanliness of the play area and keep it safe and organized.
- Foster Self-Functioning In Children: Encourage children to touch, manipulate, and see objects around them without any support.
- Encourage Cooperative Play: Foster cooperative playing while children are encouraged to assist each other.
- **Look and Do: ** Be observant of child’s preferences and make it possible for them to recreate their ideas.
Practice of Play-Based Learning at Home
The practice of learning while playing can be brought home by parents by:
- Reading Together: An activity whereby parents share books with their child and talk about information in the book with the child.
- Playing Games: Children can engage in board games, puzzles and card games as a way of playing and at the same time acquiring problem solving skills.
- Cooking Together: Recipes can be interpreted by the child as merely combining various ingredients such as measuring, mixing, tasting and so on.
- Outdoor Play: Ensure that you are available for physical activities and during outdoor times that are dedicated for exploration.
- Arts and Crafts: Engagement in drawing, painting and making things can pave way for nurturing of creativity.
Practice of Play-Based Learning in the Classroom
The concept of play based learning can further be practiced in the classroom by teachers by:
- Creating Play Centres: Reserve a particular space for each type of play; for instance, assign one classroom corner for block play and another for dramatic play.
- Playing in Lessons: Play based learning can be incorporated in language arts, science, and math lessons.
- Watching and Recording children’s Activities: Document children’s activities as well as assess them on their learning-related activities.
- Working Together with Parents: Partner with parents so that there’s a balanced play based approach at the home and at school.
Balance is the Key
A child should not only be play-centered. It is quite necessary for the child to find a balance between playing and also learning. Moving forward to the older years of the child, formal lessons in writing may take precedence over more play, but that does not erase the need for that essential kind of education.
If more attention is focused on the theories and practices of play-based learning, future possibly active, innovative, self-confident and creative personalities with aspirations for success in lifelong learning can be formed.