The Importance of Play-based Learning in Kindergarten
Introduction
When it comes to the importance of play-based learning in kindergarten, one needs to understand that children that small can learn no other way. They don’t know the alphabet yet and playing is something that comes naturally to them. You could say that it is almost a no-brainer that play-based learning is the best approach in kindergarten. The kindergarten schools in Manilla are a fine example of such schools.
There are, however, formalised ways of using that system of learning that leverages a child’s innate sense of curiosity and playfulness to help them learn.
What is Play-based Learning?
When you hear the term play-based learning what is being referred to is a methodology that is critical in helping children that small develop learning skills that lead to their development. It enables them to develop the core skills of critical thinking and problem-solving, as well as learn to use creativity in their learning process.
Besides, it helps the children hone their social skills by getting the hang of cooperation and effective communication. Moreover, playing is something that comes naturally to children that small and any learning they do in the process is fun for them, helping inculcate the joy of learning in them from the very beginning. A fine example of this would be the Chinese schools in Manila.
Importance of Play-based Learning
The importance of play-based learning can hardly be underestimated, for it helps lay the very foundation of a child’s journey in the world of formal education. By making it natural and fun for children to start learning from an early age, play-based learning ensures that every child develops a healthy attitude towards the process of learning and does not feel burdened by it. Let us look at what exactly makes it so important.
1. Natural Learning Environment
There isn’t a more natural environment than that provided by play-based learning. The desire to play is part of a child’s intrinsic nature and using that to educate him or her ensures that the child in question takes to learning in the right spirit and does not dislike or resent the process. Play-based learning provides children with an environment of joy, which translates into a long-term love of learning.
2. It Helps Children Develop Physically
Play-based learning in kindergartens keeps the children physically active, helping them develop well in body and mind. In particular, it helps them develop their motor skills. That in turn, will help them learn better and develop a keen interest in their environment. It will also help them develop key life skills like communicating with others.
3. Social Skills and Emotional Intelligence
Learning through playing helps children develop their social skills as well as emotional intelligence. This is because playing requires them to develop communication and cooperation skills. They also are able to learn to resolve conflicts that arise while they play. The experience they gain via play-based learning teaches them valuable skills for their life ahead.
4. Creativity and Imagination
Play-based learning helps children hone their creativity on account of the fact that they are encouraged to try different ways of doing things, which lets them use their imagination in diverse ways. This puts them in the habit of being innovative and versatile in the ways that they tackle situations.
5. Language Development and Communication
The process of learning through playing necessitates the use of language and getting adept at the art of communication. This has a very positive impact on the language skills of the children in question, making them get better and better in their ability to communicate with their peers and others.
6. Motor Skills
Learning while playing requires the children to indulge in a fair amount of physical activity, allowing them to hone their motor skills. This aids their physical growth and development in a major way. As a matter of fact, learning through playing is the most significant event in a child’s life in kindergarten and plays a huge role in the development of their motor skills.
7. Building Positive Relationships
Play-based learning in kindergarten requires the children to communicate and interact with other children, as well as their teachers, helping them form positive relationships. This is a valuable life skill that stands the children in good stead as they progress on their education journey.
8. Resilience and Problem Solving
Play-based learning puts children in situations where they are required to find solutions to problems. Things like playing games to try and make sense of their environment or understanding the dynamics of basic human relationships make them develop problem-solving abilities, which in turn makes them resilient in the face of challenges.
Conclusion
When a child is in kindergarten, learning through playing is the most significant milestone that he or she needs to achieve at that stage in life. It helps prepare the groundwork for a child to come to terms with important life skills like communication, collaboration, problem-solving ability and the development of motor skills. This is something that helps the children get ready to move ahead on their education journey in the best possible manner.