Learning Through Play

Play time is not just for fun anymore. It’s also an important part of how children explore, make sense of the world, express their curiosity and develop their imagination.

Play-based learning is a cornerstone of many kindy programs, Deadly Kindy included. Understanding how play-based learning positively impacts a child’s development allows you to better engage with teachers and educators and also stay connected to your child’s development.

It also helps you to continue that learning during play time at home and accelerates the learning outcomes that your jarjum experiences in kindy.

Play-based learning is all about the process that children go through during play, rather than achieving a specific outcome or learning a particular piece of knowledge or skill.

In play-based learning our Deadly Kindy teachers and educators extend your jarjum’s natural curiosity and capacity to learn by discussing their actions with them and asking them about observations they may be making. They also ask how certain approaches can be used in different ways and encourage them to think about what the outcomes might be.

What skills do children develop during play-based learning?

During the first five years, children’s brains develop rapidly. Through play and exploration, these brains make connections, build skills and accumulate a large amount of knowledge and information about the world around them. Some of these skills can include, creativity, communication, problem solving, resilience, emotional regulation and relationship building. These skills are all critical foundations for the rest of your jarjum’s life.

But your little ones don’t only play at kindy. They also play at home. So how do you ensure they’re getting the same play-based benefits at home as they do at kindy?

Play-based learning tips for home

Try these things to extend the play-based learning outcomes at home:

• Let your child lead the play. Follow their interests without taking over.
• Keep play open ended. Remember it’s about the process, not the outcome.
• Play alongside them. Get down to your child’s level and play as an equal, not as an authority figure. And don’t be scared to let go of your adult inhibitions.
• Allow moments of quiet and silence. This gives time for children to think about where their play is headed.
• Take time to just be an observer. See what happens as you step back, and think about different ways you could help extend the play
• Introduce children to new vocabulary. Think about the language you use as you are playing
• Play with a variety of things. Children will use many things that you might not think of as play materials. Boxes, cartons, tins and more can all be recycled for play.
• Balance inside and outside play. Different environments help to build a range of skills.