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Play
Topic Started: Sep 20 2014, 04:22 PM (147 Views)
Karyn Gray

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How important is play in school? How important is it that as teachers we understand the function that play takes in our young peoples growth as people?
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Jono Broom

Play is very important, right from the early years all the way through to year 13. I think play is a place where learners can let go of their inhibitions, and some great conversations and discussions emerge while students are involved in it.

I think it's important, when it comes to inquiry, to let students involve themselves in play to answer their questions, and to get a handle on topics. I find that most of my questions are answered the best when I just jump in to something and have a play with it for a bit, and I think the same goes for students. There should be time set aside in the classroom for directed and managed play.
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Karyn Gray

http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/10/harnessing-childrens-natural-ways-of-learning/

This might be going to far for most schools but I love the philosophy...how much more engagement would we have I wonder?
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tarao

"They all start out as self-directed learners when they’re infants and toddlers"

This quote from the above article is one I agree with. No one teachers a baby - they are self discovers. Babies learn to walk because they see walking modelled, they get to experiment every day with it and they get praised and encouraged by adults.

Over the last week in the Foundation Years class of 22 Year 1 and 2 students (5 and 6 yrs) , I have seen play as leading to so many beneficial outcomes. The learning space has the physical elements of play - space, numerous items like, lego, ovens, play dough, dress ups, water etc. The students are able to make choices and decide where they will play.

Play creates the students natural learning environment. They just get play. Us teachers didn't have to show them how to make food out of play dough or how to make a model out of lego, they just knew. We didn't have to show them how to play a game of 'shops'. We just supplied the equipment and the space and affirmation for them to play.

Play relaxes the students. When they play, it is like you feel the atmosphere change in the learning space. When students are relaxed, it means the brain can learn so much more effectively.

Play creates chances for us adults to interact with the students in positive and natural ways. We look for chances to get involved. We can affirm students positive behaviour. We can coach social and emotional skills. For example, I love the way you are sharing that play dough. We can even ask questions about academic stuff like "How many cars do you have now?".

Play creates spaces for students to be in control not the other way around. One of our students, who doesn't talk in formal learning situations, talks and chats away during play. He is in control and is gaining confidence each time he lets loose on that lego.

I am convinced that engaging a student through play means better quality learning. What do you think?
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tarao

Skill Sheets by Sandbox Learning
Six Skills to Build Through Play
Whether building a tower, playing a board game, or participating in organized sports, children can learn a variety of skills through play. Below are six skills adults can integrate into virtually any play activity.
1. Following Rules and Directions: All games whether a basic game of tag or a complex board game offer invaluable opportunities for learning to understand and follow rules and directions. Consequences for not listening to and following the rules, such as disqualification for a false start in swimming or losing at crazy 8’s by forgetting numbers and suits can follow other cards, are natural ways children learn the importance of rules and directions.
2. Patience: Games involve waiting and turn taking which can be very difficult for children. Be sure to take your turn and include other children in turn taking when playing games. Point out the importance of positions involving patience, such as mid-fielder in soccer or outfielder in baseball. Illustrate through plays and scenarios that even though those positions involve waiting they are critical. Most activities require practice to develop skills which can be frustrating for young children. Teach the importance of persevering and practicing. These skills will not only serve the child in their current situation, but also later in life.
3. Manners: Sharing, taking turns, being a gracious winner or loser, and other important social skills can be taught and practiced through games and play. These skills are important both for developing friendships and later in life for working with others. Teach children to shake opponents’ hands, compliment others on good plays, and use polite words when someone is collaborating on a play activity.
From: Using Nice Words
4. Academics: Games are a fun way to encourage children to read, count, sequence, add, or subtract. In games and activities there are a number of opportunities for adults to increase practice of these skills. Have children read the rules aloud or deal to practice counting. When tossing the ball in the backyard, count the number of times it is thrown back and fourth or during a soccer game, have the child stand on the fourth line.
5. Problem Solving: Building blocks, board games, and sports all involve a level of problem solving. Give children an opportunity to try things on their own first, then provide assistance as needed. If a child is struggling in an area, problem-solve ways to improve their skills. For example, trying a new stance in baseball or thinking about where the other team is kicking the ball when they score a goal.
6. Conflict Resolution: Interpretation of rules, calls on plays, and opportunities for taking turns can all result in conflict. When children disagree during a game, practice skills for managing conflict. Teach children to take a deep breath, explain their understanding of the situation, listen to others, and then determine a way to resolve the conflict. When possible, try to prevent conflict by helping children review the rules in advance, determine who calls the plays, establish the order, etc.
To receive a free customizable children’s book on waiting, visit our website:
www.sandbox-learning.com
Copyright © 2006 by Sandbox Learning. All Rights Reserved.
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