As children grow, they learn a lot from play and other stimulation. Babies are curious about the world around them and want to touch as much as possible. Older children will begin to play most of the time which is their way of exploring and learning vital skills that they will need in later life. Play is hugely important but also needs to be educational. Here is the ultimate guide to how play can be both fun and educational.
What is Play-Based Learning?
The definition of play-based learning is encouraging children to play in a structured way that is supported by the teacher.
With this type of play, children can still get the benefits of playing but are also learning key skills that are set up by the teacher such as problem-solving and basic coordination.
As an example, children who play with ride-on cars such as Audi kids cars can also learn about coordination and spatial awareness while using the toy.
What Value Does Play Have For Children?
When a child is using their imagination or engaging in real-life play, it encourages them to think about what they are doing and practice their skills.
Children not only recreate situations they have seen in real life such as looking after a baby and pretending to be someone they have seen. They also test new situations and expand on what they already know.
It is this experimentation that allows children to find out what they are capable of and push their boundaries.
Learning Social Skills
One of the most important parts of play for children is learning social skills. This can be developed when they are alone and also with others.
With other children, kids learn how to share and take turns with toys. They will also see a range of emotions from other children and learn to read body language.
Playing alone is also good for their social skills as it helps them become independent and know how to occupy themselves without any external stimulation.
Teaching Through Play
A number of valuable skills can be taught with a structured play created by teachers. Children will be encouraged to play games such as matching pictures or I Spy, and this can then be used to teach basic skills.
The teacher may ask the child to describe what they see, orpick out colors and shapes. They can also be taught basic counting and words through this type of play.
Because children find playing exciting, it can have a bigger impact on their learning than trying to teach them with books and slides.
Final Thoughts
Children begin to learn from when they are babies. Play is a vital part of that learning and should be encouraged by teachers. With structured and focused playtime, kids can learn not only how to develop basic skills, but also how to interact with others and develop social skills. This type of learning will give them a good foundation for their school life and future career.
And there you have it – everything you need to know abouthow play can be both fun and educational without compromise.
