A Closer Look at Our Pre-Primary Program Laying Strong Foundations…
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s... a wooden board?
When kids are engaged in play, there’s no telling what they’ll dream up. But while they’re playing, they’re also developing skills that they’ll use for the rest of their lives.
Whether in the classroom or at home, play-based learning can help a child harness the power of playfulness to build a fun and effective learning environment
We in SVR thrive to build such strong foundations with our pre-primary program
What is play-based learning?
Play-based learning is an educational approach where students are guided into learning through activities. This method enables the development of crucial academic foundations and social interaction skills, essential for their future scholastic success and lifelong learning.
In a play-based setting, children have the freedom to explore, experiment, discover, and tackle challenges in creative and playful ways. However, this doesn't mean a lack of structure.
Effective play-based teaching requires a balanced blend of child-led and teacher-designed learning opportunities keeping the curriculum as the base.
In general, there are few key components to play based learning:
Process-focused — Play-based learning is about the journey, not the destination. The process of play is the most valuable part, especially since young children have less attention span and are less goal-oriented.
Imaginative — Dramatic play and make-believe is an essential part of play as the students are creating stories in their head and expressing themselves!
Structured or unstructured — Structured play-based learning is directed by a teacher or facilitator, who acts as a mediator to help children use materials and deepen understanding. Unstructured play gives children time to engage in free play that’s directed by their own interests and natural curiosity.
Exploratory — Play-based learning gives children a chance to explore the world and gather new information about their place in it. As they play, children can learn about language, new objects, social relationships and more!
Self-directed — The ideal play-based learning experience can help strengthen the child’s problem-solving skills.
Advantages of the Play-Way method in early education
- Encourages creativity and imagination: Play-based learning allows children to use their creativity and imagination to explore and create.
- Provides a fun and enjoyable learning experience: Play-based learning is fun and enjoyable for children, which makes them more motivated to learn and engage in the educational process.
- Builds social skills: Through play, children learn how to share, cooperate, negotiate, and communicate with others.
- Develops problem-solving skills: Play-based learning helps children develop problem-solving skills as they experiment and find solutions to challenges.
- Enhances cognitive development: It also actively stimulates cognitive development by encouraging children to think critically, reason, and make connections between ideas.
- Promotes physical development: Play-based learning provides opportunities for physical activity and promotes the development of gross and fine motor skills.
- Fosters emotional regulation: Play-based learning helps children learn how to manage their emotions and develop coping skills.
- Increases language development: Play-based learning promotes language development by providing opportunities for children to engage in conversations, storytelling, and imaginative play.
- Improves academic readiness: Play-based learning lays the foundation for academic success by building a love of learning and developing foundational skills.
- Cultivates independence and self-esteem: Play-based learning encourages children to take risks, make decisions, and feel empowered.
Some tools incorporated in SVR Play-Way method…
Our Play-way method of teaching involves not only the students but parents as well. As we believe the holistic development happens when all the stakeholders work collectively to bring out the best version of the child.
Some of the play-ways we have built – in for our students along with parents are
- Story telling – To promote literacy, exchange dialogue / conversation , creative verbal expressions through drama
- Puzzles and Games – To promote critical and logical thinking
- Group Activities – To build team spirit
- Music and Dance – To promote creative self expression, identify and relate to emotions, sense of rhythm
- Outdoor Play – To promote physical development
- Role – Playing – To build confidence and self-esteem
- Arts and Crafts – To promote imagination and creativity
These efforts have won accolades from our parents and have brought in many testimonials to our school.
To wrap up… Gone are the days…
play while you play…
learn while you learn was the norm…
But now we are into a timeline where
learn while you play…is the new standard…