Play: The Heart of Early Learning

 

Play: The Heart of Early Learning

Children learn when they play!! 

Play is way beyond recreation or fun; it is how young children learn best. Play-based

learning helps them to achieve cognitive, social, emotional and physical development.

Children learn while they discover their surroundings, while playing and constructing using blocks, engaging in imaginary play or games played outdoor. They learn how to think critically, cooperate and become strong. It enhances their fine and gross motor skill development through play, linguistic skills and emotional capacities through learned behavior's.Play based learning enables children’s mind to be filled with curiosity, wonder and beahead of the learning curve. They also learn to develop a questioning attitude while formulating hypotheses and understanding the idea of a growth mind-set. When interacting with peers, children understand how to share, empathize and work as a collaborative team, these skills will take them far in the classroom and the real world for years to come.

My visit to a 102-year-old school in Bhanvnagar founded on Gijubhai Badheka's philosophy allowed me to witness first-hand the significant influence of play-based, hands on learning. Play is critical because effective play allows a child to become self-confident, autonomous and a versatile learner. It's essential that teachers and parents acknowledge this notion of learning beyond the textbook. Learning comes from storytelling, music, art, movement and project learning.

Parents and educators should encourage and design an engaging environment thatsupports different types of play- imaginative, social, solitary, physical andconstructive play with organized spaces and age appropriate materials. Children learn and benefit through these kinds of play: Imaginative Play done through storytelling, pretend and role play helps children to foster their creativity, express themselves and take charge of their emotions. Physical Play like hopscotch, obstacle course and areas for active play builds their coordination and strength. Constructive Play can be done by providing them materials for building, Playdough and STEM activities this enhances their analytical and problem solving skills. Social Play develops when they play board games, collaborate with peers in group projects. This encourages in building relations, teaches them teamwork and strengthens their emotional intelligence. Solitary Play with the help of puzzles and sensory activities sharpens their concentration and focus.As we continue on the journey of education and curriculum development for the future, let's continue to implement play for the joy of learning.

Asha Thakkar-

Pre-Primary Head, CNM School