Play Based Learning

Play is an essential part of a child’s development and is a means of a child’s exploration in their physical and social world. When playing, children are able to use their imagination, communicate, transform their thoughts and engage in problem solving. When children use their imagination they are actually forming an ability to think abstractly. As children use their imagination to think creatively, they go beyond the limits of their physical world, and broaden their conceptual parameters. At our dramatic play center, children create imaginary settings and use toys and design props to represent ideas, people, animals and objects. These skills can translate to the academic setting because as students are playing and using their imagination, they are learning to deal with conflict, engaging in problem solving and preserving through new challengings. We can think of play as one of building blocks of the critical thinking processes necessary for elementary school and the later years.  

Another benefit of including play in the early childhood classroom is the development of communication skills. As children engage with others through play, they are communicating complex thoughts and subconsciously work through some imaginary and also real life situations. Regardless of the scenario, their interactions during play often include complex verbal conversations. Children also may develop their language skills from hearing other children talking when they are engaging in solo play, as they may talk to themselves. As children continue to be surrounded by language during play, their foundational language skills transform into sophisticated communication skills. Reach out to learn more, and enroll with us today!