Jouer
Amusons-nous !
Children derive immense joy and knowledge through play, a natural process where they explore, take risks, engage their imagination, and solve problems. Play serves as a conduit for developing crucial skills that support social, physical, and cognitive growth.
The Early Learning Framework from BC characterizes play-based learning as a context where children organize and make sense of their social worlds, actively engaging with people, objects, and representations.
In play-based learning, we adapt teaching opportunities to align with the type of play children are immersed in. This dynamic interaction involves a constant flow where children lead, and teachers guide or nudge to extend their inquiry, understanding, or skills. Children take the lead, leading to beautiful, fun, engaging, and unexpected adventures.
For play-based learning to thrive, we create an intentional environment that encourages child participation. This approach involves the following elements:
Self-direction: Children choose what and how they play, with adults supervising or suggesting ideas while leaving the rest to the child's decision.
Unstructured Exploration: Children have the freedom to explore, selecting objects or activities based on their interests.
Fun: Play must be enjoyable for the child, with no forced activities, ensuring a positive experience.
Process-oriented: Emphasizing the importance of the play process, devoid of specific end goals or correct responses.
Benefits of Play-based Learning:
Language and Literacy Development: Play promotes a child's literacy and language development, fostering vocabulary growth and encouraging natural conversations.
Social and Emotional Skills: Play-based learning nurtures crucial social and emotional skills, including positive relationships with peers, cooperation, effective communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
Creativity and Imagination: Play is instrumental in developing imagination and creativity, helping children navigate both imagined and real-life scenarios.
Confidence and Positive Attitude toward Learning: Confidence is a key outcome of play-based learning, empowering children to try new things, take risks, and develop a positive attitude towards learning.
Motor Skills: Play contributes to the development of both fine and gross motor skills, enhancing balance, hand-eye coordination, and physical abilities.
By embracing play-based learning, children embark on a journey of holistic development, paving the way for a future characterized by creativity, resilience, and a positive approach to learning.
(The Science of Play Blog, Best Chance Australia, December 2020)
Resources: