Play Based Learning
Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood. -- Fred Rogers
The daily interactions and experiences we share with children is how they learn about the world around them. Naturally, many of these interactions involve play! Play is a powerful and important activity. It has a natural and positive influence on children's social, physical, emotional and cognitive development. Each type of play is healthy and important for learning. Because play time gives children an opportunity to explore the world around them, they learn to identify new things, emotions, and skills. Kids use play to take risks and learn from them. Play based learning appeals to children's natural curiosity and desire to engage in experiences based on their interests, strengths and developing skills as they make sense of their world around them.
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Self chosen: A child voluntary chooses to play, how they’ll play, and for how long. An adult may initiate play insofar as he or she invites or suggests play but the child determines the rest.
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Enjoyable: Play is enjoyable for the child. This emotional aspect is important. There may be some frustrations or disagreements during play but overall it’s pleasurable.
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Unstructured: A child has ample time to explore and discover during play. They’re directed by their own interests, not by any prescribed rules or plans.
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Process-oriented: There is no end or learning goal. Instead, it’s the process of play that’s important.
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Make believe: Play often involves imagination, ‘make believe’, or ‘playing pretend’.
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When we do crafts, we are learning about mixing colors, different textures, creativity, and abstract thinking.
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Sensory bins help us learn about measuring, sifting, digging, pouring, weighing- this is science. This is math.
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When we play with blocks, we are learning structuring, building, counting, balancing, and solving problems.
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Singing silly songs help build our vocabulary base, teach rhythm and rhyme, and teach social skills.
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When we play with playdough and moon dough, we are strengthening our hand muscles- getting ready to
hold a pencil and fine tuning writing skills.
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Kitchen toys teach us about healthy food choices, counting money, sorting food groups, and kitchen hygiene.
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When we play house, we are learning to care for another, to be a mother, father, brother, or sister.
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Playing dress up teaches us about our community members, to dress ourselves, to tie laces, and use
buttons and zippers.
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When we play outside, we are exploring, developing coordination, enhancing fine and gross motor skills,
making choices, taking turns, and learning about nature.
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Table toys help develop hand and finger muscles, preparing us for holding a pencil and writing.
What does play based learning look like?
Yes! We do. Here at Pitter Patter Childcare, while we are emphasize play based learning, we recognize that all children learn differently and we strive to include a wide variety of activities to ensure the kids have ample opportunities and avenues to learn. We strongly believe that when learning is fun, the children will be successful.