Playtime is essential to a child’s growth and development because it enables them to learn through their own language. When it’s playtime, children develop the skills they need to thrive in life. Because play is such an essential component of every child’s growth and development, it’s important that we find ample opportunities to incorporate play into learning. This brings us to the concept of play-based learning. Let’s take a deep dive into what play-based learning is and how it can be quite beneficial to your child’s overall development.
What is Play-Based Learning?
Play-based learning is usually the first and most often form of learning a child engages in when learning is introduced to them. It’s a combination of physical movement and imagination.
To put it simply, play is what happens when children do what they want to do with minimal instructions from adults. They play and explore the world around them. They interact with other children, animals, and nature. Children in this stage of life do not worry about a specific curriculum, they just play and learn as they go along. Play-based learning can take place in a home, a garden, a playground, or a classroom.
The Benefits of Play-Based Learning
The benefits of play-based learning are plentiful and can apply to children no matter where they are learning. The following reasons highlight the many benefits kids gain when they engage in play-based learning.
1. Develop Important Social Skills
When children are able to play in safe and secure environments, they are able to develop critical social skills. This is because they are able to learn how to interact with others in an environment without any pressure or agenda. And while they’re getting to know their new friends, they’re also developing important social skills like how to share, take turns, and resolve conflicts.
2. Learn How to Be Self-Sufficient
While playing in a safe environment, kids are free to create their own rules and solve problems. In doing so, they are learning how to be self-sufficient. In this way, kids can play with other kids and work out problems on their own. This teaches them how to be independent and self-reliant as well.
3. Build Self-Confidence
We all know that confidence is a characteristic most adults want in children. As it happens, children who engage in play-based learning gain self-confidence through their interaction with others. They also gain confidence by mastering new skills.
4. Improve Motor Skills
Play is a physical activity. When children play, they engage in physical activities that improve their motor skills. Some play-based learning activities require children to use their fine motor skills like drawing, coloring, and cutting. Then there are activities that require children to use their gross motor skills like running, jumping, and climbing. Through this activity, kids develop the motor skills they need to succeed.
5. Develop Creativity
A lot of times, play is associated with being messy, but it actually helps kids learn to use their imaginations. Kids who play and create their own rules have to use their creativity to make up the game. As they play and make up the rules, they are gaining valuable information that they can use in their own life. This creativity is essential for continuing to learn and grow as an individual.
Conclusion
As you can see, play-based learning is a highly beneficial tool for kids. It’s the first form of learning for most children and the foundation for their future. If you are looking for ways to introduce your child to new things, it’s vital that you introduce them through play. It’s just another way for you to play an active role in their lives.
At Bright Scholars Early Learning Academy, we believe that playing is integral to a child’s learning and development. Through our blended learning model, we provide premier educational child care at our preschool in St. Cloud, FL. Enroll your child today and expect a safe and engaging environment for them at Bright Scholars Early Learning Academy.