The Importance of Play Based Learning
Written by Courtney Macklin
Play-based learning is the foundation of early learning in Finnish Schools. Educators take inspiration from Montessori education which is child-centered with activities for both collaborative play and independent play. The strong belief that children should be free to explore and learn at their own pace is in their best interest. Children ages 0-7 years spend time in an early learning setting where they develop many skills. Standards-based learning doesn’t begin until children go into Kindergarten at age 7 where they still get breaks throughout the day and extended time outdoors.
Play has a profound impact on overall development as children are actively engaged in the process of learning and using their imagination. During play, children engage in conversation which fosters language acquisition as well as provides opportunities to help build social-emotional skills. Through interactions, students learn to collaborate, show empathy, negotiate, and build their confidence in their own abilities. Educators are facilitators in a safe space that inspires play and exploration as the students take the lead and grow comfortable taking ownership of their learning. Young children learn how to problem solve when an issue may arise like having to share space or taking turns with others. They also learn what kind of play others around them like and don't like which ties directly into their social skills. Learning to understand other people's social cues is very important starting at a young age, and children build on these skills over time. It is also building their language skills. As they play they start to create stories and expand in their pretend play.
Physical Development
What we see as just simple activities like jumping, running, balancing, pedaling a bike, and children pushing their bodies to their limits when climbing; are all important aspects of motor development.
At VSL we offer plenty of physical activities through play on our playground as well as in the lot. With climbers children push their bodies by swinging upside down, letting their bodies dangle, and jumping off over and over again. Risk-taking is also explored and learning one's limits through risk assessment is important in play. When we walk trails, climb over logs, and build structures at the park the children not only benefit from being outdoors they also get to build their muscles and strength. Through building children also develop a deeper understanding of math, from counting the number of objects to physics in engineering sturdy structures. Objectives like balancing sticks and learning to add or subtract weight in order to make the most sound structures are essential building components.
Brain Development and Outdoor Play
It has been proven that interacting with nature, playing in soil, and touching everything that grows from the land around us can be beneficial to our health. “Children who spend more time outdoors in nature, particularly at school, learn better. Nature contributes to the enhanced development of both gray and white matter in the brain. A direct relationship exists between nature exposure and cognitive skills, working memory, and attention. Direct and indirect nature exposure allows students to recover faster from mentally challenging exercises. Nature decreases heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, resulting in better focus and lesson enjoyment.” This full excerpt comes from the link mentioned below if you would like to take a look at other ways nature supports learning.
Resources:
https://www.greenschoolyards.org/nature-benefits-cognitive
https://www.heischools.com/operate/finnish-and-traditional-education-differences
https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/play/development-through-play/