Learning Through Play Essay

Play is how children learn to socialize, to think, to solve problems, to mature and most importantly, to have fun. Play connects children with their imagination, their environment, their parents and teacher and the world. Play is the most powerful, productive and efficient way to learn the information young children

This ensures that the curriculum is developmentally appropriate. When children are able to select what they learn, they tend to be more engaged and have an easier time understanding the information. There are two different ways to build play-based curriculum. (Saracho, Spodek, 1995) There is curriculum-generated play and play-generated curriculum. To build a curriculum-generated play, the educator has to prepare and structure an area that includes different subjects in which the children can engage in the content provided.

Children are given the opportunity to grow and develop through their play experiences. Educators support the children by giving them the proper tools and materials, and modeling the behaviours and skills they would like the children to follow to develop appropriately. Children will learn to do many things with the help and guidance of their educators, but while the children are playing, the main focus is on them and how they will learn and interpret things. Children are continually growing and developing through many different ways. They grow physically, cognitively (mentally), and finally emotionally.

A child may need guidance or encouragement from an adult to engage in play through extending play, parallel play, co-play or play tutoring. Children utilize play to attempt using their ideas, learning with reference to relationships, and gaining new information. Through play a child will also develop who they are and who they will be as they grow. They maintain what they discover through play within themselves and apply these skills for the remainder of their life (Stone,

It is important that schools use a play based curriculum that display’s students interest because children develop different skills at different times. There are two different ways to interpret the term “play” that can become conflicting. Some see it as something that is fun and the only thing that children want to do. However, although it is fun, it is also a way in which children learn. When children participate in play they are engaging in collaboration, communication, content, creativity, critical thinking, and confidence.

Children benefit most from play experiences, for they become engaged in the learning process. Play permits them to be active and creative and take ownership of their own learning. Play consists of prior knowledge and adds on new knowledge as well. Throughout the course I have learned that play is a very important key component in young children’s development. It is a very helpful tool that I believe all teachers must use.

Indicators of effective curriculum that my program will align to are: children are active and engaged and curriculum builds on prior learning and experiences. Through the use of the hands-on activities, physical education and relevant material, students will be able to be active and engaged during their time at my program. With various means of communication with parents and collaboration with other educators, children in my program will be able to build on prior learning and experiences. Taking what they know and have recently learned and building on that will ensure children fully grasp concepts and understating of what they are being

It is important for caregivers to encourage children while playing, without any limitation of a rule set by adults. 3. Functions of play In early stage of child development, play frequently reinforces the child's physical and cognitive development. • Physical development. By repeating certain body movements, children can learn how to control their body.

An example of this belief is that children learn from their mistakes, accountable, teamwork and collaboration. When given time and the chance to explore their own interests, develop their own unique talents and strengths. For example, it keeps children active and eager to learn more. Piaget has helped me realize that there are learning and discovery in everything you do, you just have to look for it. I truly believe that children possess the natural ability to construct their own understanding and knowledge.

The emergent curriculum acknowledges each child’s individuality and empowers them to become part of the planning process. This participation in planning gives children a voice, it shows children that their opinion is valued and enables them to take ownership of their own learning (Kashin, 2011). 3. Children’s individual learning style and abilities are supported by the emergent curriculum. Providing children with an opportunity to work at their own pace and choose what and who they want to play with will encourage them to be curious and help them to feel a sense of achievement when they direct their own learning (CECDE,