As the saying goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” This adage is particularly relevant in an early learning centre in Papatoetoe. Play-based learning is a pivotal part of children’s development and growth and should be a cornerstone of any effective child development centre’s curriculum.
Understanding Play-Based Learning
It is an educational approach that utilises play as the primary method of teaching. It encourages children to explore, investigate, and learn about the world around them through their most natural instinct – play. The approach fosters creativity, imagination, problem-solving skills, and social abilities.
Why is Play-Based Learning Essential?
It helps children develop a love for learning. It allows young learners to explore, discover, negotiate, take risks, create meaning, and solve problems – all significant aspects of building resilience and learning to engage effectively with the world around them.
Cognitive Development
When children engage in play, they are not merely having fun; they are also developing critical cognitive skills. Play stimulates brain development and aids in building memory skills, and concentration, and increases attention span. Through play, children learn about shapes, numbers, colours, and sizes. These experiences help them understand mathematical concepts and enhance their problem-solving abilities.
Language Skills
Learning through play is also instrumental in developing child language skills. Children often talk and interact during play sessions, enabling them to learn new words and how to express their thoughts and feelings. By conversing with their peers, children learn the art of conversation and negotiation, which are vital communication skills.
Social and Emotional Growth
In a child development centre, playtime isn’t just about toys and games. It’s also about interacting with others. Using play as a learning method promotes social interaction and teaches children about cooperation, sharing, and empathy. It also provides opportunities for children to express and manage their emotions, fostering emotional intelligence.
Play-Based Learning in an Early Learning Centre
In an early learning centre in South Auckland, play-based learning can be implemented in various ways. It could be through free play where children choose activities based on their interests or guided play, where educators introduce a learning objective into play.
Educators in these centres design environments that stimulate children’s curiosity and encourage exploration.
Conclusion
An early learning centre in Papatoetoe that incorporates games into its curriculum offers a balanced approach to education, combining fun with learning, promoting overall development, and preparing children for the next stage of their educational journey.