A Basic Approach to Learning through Play

1. A Basic Approach to Learning through Play Chapter 1 The Importance of Play Successful Solutions Professional Development LLC

2. A Basic Approach to Learning through Play Chapter Topics Play is a child’s important work. They need lots of hands-on experiences with interesting things to look at, touch, and manipulate. They also need opportunities throughout the day to move and climb.

3. A Basic Approach to Learning through Play Chapter 1 The Importance of Play By definition, play means “to occupy oneself in amusement or recreation,” but play can also be defined as the “work” of children. Research demonstrates that learning in early childhood is best accomplished through play. Play is beneficial for developmental growth. It is important for teachers to understand the benefits of play to promote healthy development for children in their care.

4. A Basic Approach to Learning through Play Chapter 1 The Importance of Play Play is an enjoyable pastime that serves both recreational and educational purposes. Play is an essential part of childhood that provides many opportunities for spontaneous learning. Through play, children develop skills that they need to grow and mature, learn about the world, and experience meaningful life lessons. Research shows that play promotes healthy social, cognitive and physical development. A wide variety of activities can be categorized as play. Methods of play can be directed by an adult or determined by children.

5. A Basic Approach to Learning through Play Types of Play Chapter 1 The Importance of Play There are six different types of play that encourage healthy development. Cooperative: Play with peers or adults Independent: Play of an individual Active: Physical Play Constructive: Building or making things Fantasy: Pretend play Rule-based: Events that have rules All types of play offer benefits and learning opportunities. When children play, they may combine two or more types of play.

6. A Basic Approach to Learning through Play Cooperative Play Chapter 1 The Importance of Play Cooperative play is play with peers or adults. Frequent interaction with others is the best way for children to learn essential social skills. By playing with others, children develop skills required for successful relationships with other adults and their peers. Through contacts with people outside the family, children learn skills they can use to develop and nurture relationships throughout their lives.

7. A Basic Approach to Learning through Play Independent Play Chapter 1 The Importance of Play Play of the individual, or independent play, is important because it lets children experiment, reflect, and relax. This type of play allows children the opportunity to practice making choices and entertaining themselves. Independent play should be monitored to ensure that children are safe, but children should be able to direct the activities according to their interests.

8. A Basic Approach to Learning through Play Active Play Chapter 1 The Importance of Play Active play involves physical activity and provides an enjoyable way for children to exercise. When children take part in active play, they burn energy, consume calories, and build healthy bodies. Through active play, children learn how to coordinate their brain and body functions to complete tasks and also develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

9. A Basic Approach to Learning through Play Active Play Chapter 1 The Importance of Play Active play often takes place outdoors, or in a large open area that allows freedom of movement. Examples of active play include sports, hopscotch, swinging on a play set, and movement games, such as tag or dodge ball. Due to the physical nature of active play, teachers should teach children safety tips and promote teamwork and good sportsmanship.

10. A Basic Approach to Learning through Play Constructive Play Chapter 1 The Importance of Play During constructive play, children make things. Planning and creativity are combined to manipulate objects for building. Constructive play focuses more on the process of creating than on the end product. Through building with different materials, children explore and discover how the world works. Using constructive play, children actively experiment with the objects in the environment, explore new possibilities, and use principles of simple mathematics and science. Examples of constructive play are building a tower with blocks, completing a puzzle, creating a model with clay, making a sand castle, or drawing sidewalk art.

11. A Basic Approach to Learning through Play Fantasy Play Chapter 1 The Importance of Play Fantasy play requires use of the imagination. Children can experiment with different roles, places, and ideas as they pretend. During fantasy play, children choose a theme, develop a story, and act it out. Often, fantasy play incorporates the use of everyday objects or props that can maintain their original purpose or transform into another item. For example, a spoon can be used to “make soup” or become a “magic wand” to grant wishes. These props help children to elaborate and extend the play.

12. A Basic Approach to Learning through Play Fantasy Play Chapter 1 The Importance of Play Fantasy play is very flexible. Themes for play are spontaneous and usually inspired by the children’s experiences. Pretend play may involve imitating the actions of adults or inventing original scenarios. Examples of fantasy play include taking a stuffed animal’s temperature using a crayon, playing dress-up, or pretending to be a cowboy riding a horse.

13. A Basic Approach to Learning through Play Rule-based Play Chapter 1 The Importance of Play Rule-based play is structured and goal-oriented. This type of play is cooperative in nature; it must have two or more players. In rule-based play, organization and consistency are essential. Rules are initially developed by the game’s creator. It is important for all players to understand and follow the rules of the game as they guide game play.

14. A Basic Approach to Learning through Play Rule-based Play Chapter 1 The Importance of Play Rule-based play often has a winner, but some games can be modified for young children. The ages and ability levels of the children determine the modifications needed for the rule-based game to be appropriate. Examples of rule-based play include Simon Says, I Spy, Huckle Buckle Beanstalk, board games, and sports.

15. A Basic Approach to Learning through Play Chapter 1 The Importance of Play These may include, but are not limited to: • Social skills • Sharing and cooperation • Following directions and making decisions • Negotiation and conflict resolution • Exploration • Problem-solving • Confidence • Persistence • Literacy development • Motor skills • Creativity • Teamwork and sportsmanship The benefits of play are linked to the healthy social, cognitive, and physical development of children. Children learn many different skills through play.

16. A Basic Approach to Learning through Play Chapter 1 The Importance of Play Play provides a natural way for children to develop social and emotional skills that are important for interacting with others. Cooperative play provides a meaningful context for children to practice verbal interaction with peers. Including taking turns, sharing, listening, and resolving conflicts. Role-playing helps children to experiment with new perspectives and consider the thoughts and actions of other people.

17. A Basic Approach to Learning through Play Chapter 1 The Importance of Play Play is fun! It builds children’s self-confidence and allows them to enjoy the company of others. Through play, children learn to work with one another for a common goal. The social context of play helps children learn about behavior and they practice regulating their actions and emotions.

18. A Basic Approach to Learning through Play Chapter 1 The Importance of Play Studies have linked the quality of play in early childhood to future academic success. Talking during play encourages children to make verbal connections between their thoughts and actions, which improves their literacy skills. Play also provides an opportunity to increase vocabulary.

19. A Basic Approach to Learning through Play Chapter 1 The Importance of Play Some play scenarios require specific vocabularies and encourage children to learn unfamiliar words. For example, doctor-based role-play may allow children to learn the word “stethoscope,” a word that might be unknown outside of this context. Children need to use words in a meaningful way in order to master new vocabulary. Play scenarios allow children to demonstrate their understanding of new words.

20. A Basic Approach to Learning through Play Chapter 1 The Importance of Play In play, children have opportunities to practice solving practical problems. Locating something hidden or missing encourages children to use various ways of thinking. Problem solving during play enhances critical thinking skills. As children become more capable of solving problems, they build confidence and are better prepared for formal instruction in an academic setting.

21. A Basic Approach to Learning through Play Chapter 1 The Importance of Play Playing can help to build and maintain strong, healthy bodies. During play, children can practice and improve their motor skills in a stress-free setting. By participating in active play, children increase physical activity levels, which is a proven way to reduce the risk of childhood obesity.

22. A Basic Approach to Learning through Play Chapter 1 The Importance of Play Click here to launch Chapter 1 Assessment 2