Play is a fundamental part of childhood. It is how children learn and grow, both socially and cognitively. Play-based learning is an approach to education that emphasises the importance of play in the learning process. It is based on the belief that children learn best through active exploration and discovery.
There is a growing body of research that supports the benefits of play-based learning. Studies have shown that play can help children develop their:
Cognitive skills: Play helps children develop their problem-solving skills, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
Social skills: Learning through play helps children interact with others, share, and cooperate.
Emotional skills: Play develops self-regulation skills, such as managing emotions and behaviour.
Physical skills: We also cannot discount the physical benefits of play based learning, such as gross motor skills (running and jumping) and fine motor skills (grasping and writing).
In addition to these benefits, play can also help children develop a positive self-image and a sense of self-efficacy.
There are also many organisations that are embracing the benefits of play-based learning, providing valuable resources for classroom practitioners.
The Lego Foundation:The Lego Foundation is a non-profit organisation that is dedicated to the power of play. The foundation supports research on play and provides resources for educators and parents.
Play England: Play England is a national organisation in the UK that aims to promote children’s right to play and improve their play opportunities. They provide resources for schools and local communities to create play spaces and advocate for the value of play in children’s learning and development.
The British Association for Early Childhood Education (BAECE): BAECE is a UK-based organisation that supports early childhood education. They provide professional development opportunities for early years practitioners and educators and promote the importance of play-based learning in the early years.
What are your thoughts on play-based learning and what strategies have you used? Share them with the community by letting us know in the comments section below!
This article was written by the TeacherHaven team, help us support education by contributing to our blog, email us at info@doceoconsulting.co.uk
