There is a quote from Mr. Fred Rogers that states, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play IS serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” At Children’s Paradise we too believe that children learn best through play! This happens through the exploration of materials and activities that build their social, physical, cognitive, and emotional skills.
To support this, Children’s Paradise intentionally designs every classroom to be filled with innovative and creative materials that encourage the development of these skills. The teacher then acts as a “facilitator” encouraging the child’s playful exploration through open-ended questions, introduction of new concepts and materials, and promoting peer engagement.
How can you support play-based learning at home?
Provide open-ended materials, such as art or sensory supplies and watch how your child plays with them. Add items as needed to support and expand the play.
Ask open-ended questions to expand learning such as: “what else can you add,” “what do you think will happen if…,” “have you ever done this before at school,” “how did you…,” “what else could you try?”
Follow their interests! Pay attention to what they are showing interest in and provide activities and materials that can expand their curiosity.
Tap into your inner child and join them in the play! Get down on their level and join their imagination and problem solving play.
Remember, learning happens through the process not the final product. Allow your child to be curious, problem solve, make up their own game, explore and just have fun…because play IS where the learning happens!