What is play based learning? What is Play-Based Learning? It has long been known that there is a strong link between play and learning. Children are full of natural curiosity and they explore this curiosity through play. When kids are playing, it's the perfect time to learn. Play teaches kids how to problem solve, how to make friends, how to express themselves, how to enjoy the world around them, and how to recognize letters and numbers. All of these skills form the foundation of a love of learning.
Examples of skills learned while engaged in play are: -Manipulation -Grasping/Holding -Color and shape recognition -Numeracy -Literacy -Imagination -Creativity -Teamwork -Using descriptors to explain "their creation to an adult."
Some of the learning opportunities we have are: -Singing -Dancing/Gross Motor movement -Mentoring, and friendship -Focusing on age appropriate derision making, and safe "risk taking"
We are also process learners. This means, that we do not always send "things home" but focus on the bigger picture in our teaching methods. For example: -safe ways to regulate our emotions, using our words and gestures to express ourselves, -washing our hands before meals -being a good friend -Building/waterplay
Some of the skills we hone in on to help our littles transition to school will be (but are not limited to) -Dressing independently -Using the washroom with little to no assistance -Attending to one's own self care as much as able -Sitting quietly in a group -Eating in a group -Standing in line -Using our manners in the community to help make new friends etc -Daily routines
Myths about play based learning environments include: -Leaving your child without adult supervision -Never allowing opportunities for story and song, or outdoor play -Never having adult lead activity -Not having age appropriate learning or toys available -Never having structure to the day
It simply means, that the children take the lead in what they wish to learn about, or how they wish to explore.