Starting School...
"You don't need to teach a child curiosity. Curiosity is innate, you just need to be careful not to quash it. This is the challenge for the teacher - to foster and guide that curiosity."
(Sir Paul Callaghan (1947–2012) A highly-respected and inspirational leader and teacher, Sir Paul championed science and business as being crucial to New Zealand’s economic growth.)
(Sir Paul Callaghan (1947–2012) A highly-respected and inspirational leader and teacher, Sir Paul championed science and business as being crucial to New Zealand’s economic growth.)
What is “Play Based Learning”?
Authentic, meaningful, engaging and satisfying. When you have agency over your decision making, you feel empowered, confident and motivated. This is no different throughout the life-span. Whether you are are 2 months, 6 years or 70 years of age - when you have an interest you develop strength and continue to explore and practice which is how anybody masters a particular, or multiple skills.
Through child led learning, children are able to develop working theories of the world around them, allowing them to make sense of their place in our world. We want children to identify themselves as capable and confident learners, to be positive contributors in society. People that are able to accept challenge, take risks, persevere when things are tricky and have resilience when things go wrong. These are key factors of success (Poulton, 2018) and are the exact learning dispositions that are enhanced through a quality play based learning approach.
Play also acknowledges multiple intelligences, enabling every child to feel good about their interests and strengths.
Through child led learning, children are able to develop working theories of the world around them, allowing them to make sense of their place in our world. We want children to identify themselves as capable and confident learners, to be positive contributors in society. People that are able to accept challenge, take risks, persevere when things are tricky and have resilience when things go wrong. These are key factors of success (Poulton, 2018) and are the exact learning dispositions that are enhanced through a quality play based learning approach.
Play also acknowledges multiple intelligences, enabling every child to feel good about their interests and strengths.
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Did you know?
“Research has found that variety is key in learning because, simply put, the brain craves it,” When there is variety in both the environment and the activities a learner undertakes, the brain becomes stronger, with increased levels of attention and retention. Without variety and interest, our brains become sluggish and slower. Link: Brierley, J. (2004). Give me a child until he is seven: Brain studies and early childhood education. |
Some articles that look at what this transition to school needs to consider...
The real life of five year olds at School - A great article that looks at what is happening in education between early childhood and primary settings and the major event that this transition represents - or should it? (Click on the image to access)
Powerful Play: Continuity and Inquiry for Children starting School - This article looks at how teacher are finding alternatives to supporting children’s thinking and creativity, while encouraging them to delve more deeply into ideas, concepts, and topics as they start this thing called school!
