The Value of Play Based Learning In Early Childhood Services

Play-based learning uses playful experiences in which children have some degree of agency and control as opportunities for teaching a range of skills and competencies.

Here are some ways to understand the value of play-based learning and implementing play based learning into the learning environment. 

Play Is Joyful

Play-based learning demands to be put in place for the sheer joy it brings to young children. As they squeal and laugh and knit their brows in fierce concentration, they are immersed in the innate pleasure of the experience – which is why any learning that happens alongside is sure to be effective. For example:

• As kids dig their fingers in mud or splash in water, talk about different textures, elements and the world around us.
• When your learners role play a grocery shopping experience, introduce counting and simple numeracy skills.
• Dabbling with paints and crayons can likewise encourage them to draw shapes, lines and basic geometrical designs

Play Needs Planning

To enhance joyful learning, the right set up becomes important. As an educator, you can ensure that the environment has an arts table, reading station, a maths table, science corner, a nature nook and a mock stage with curtains and so on. Such arrangements will provide the space and materials for children to choose what and how they wish to play besides offering multiple sensory experiences. Indeed many of the materials from one centre like coloured blocks at the maths table can even be integrated at other centres, like the crafts corner. The whole idea is to let imagination and learning flow from one space to another in the continuum of play.

Play Builds Cognitive Skills

Best of all, play-based learning helps children think, plan and come up with solutions. To encourage this you might:

• help a child figure out ways to build structures with smaller blocks when the larger ones are not available
• ask about the menu when you find a child planning a Sunday family dinner
• invite questions about dress and transport if children are playing make-believe journey to the Arctic

Play Is Meaningful

Play offers ample opportunities to understand the real world through concepts ranging from science and mathematics to reading, history and geography. If a child admits he or she likes these big yellow seeds, you might want to ask:

• How many do you think you will need to fill this big basket? Or that small bowl?
• Why do you think the seeds are yellow and not a dull brown?
• What other words can you come up with to describe this seed – round, smooth, hard, prickly?

Indeed play offers opportunities for creativity and aesthetics as children mix colours on their own, use sounds in new ways and string words for personal expression.

Play Teaches Social Skills

Through free unstructured play, children learn new social skills, especially when sharing toys, negotiating who will be the mommy or baby during role play or agreeing on how to work together with materials. All these skills make up the foundation of continuous and meaningful negotiation with the world and hence are crucial for a range of learning competencies.

Free Benefits Of Play Posters 

References:
Unicef Foundation Learning Through Play, Unicef