Young children learn best through play. Research shows that high-quality play-based learning can significantly improve a child’s language and social connections. Play is the language of children. It helps them work through their emotions and learn about the world around them. Play is self-controlled and self-directed, creative and innovative.
With 25 years of Kindergarten teaching experience, I find that in high-quality Kindergarten programs, developmentally appropriate practices are used throughout the curriculum so children can grow as readers, writers, and mathematicians. In my classroom at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, our students also have the opportunity to grow in faith, as Children of God. Watching children play can help teachers learn about what the children can do more than any teacher-driven assessment. They may be setting up a restaurant in a play kitchen area, taking turns being the teacher while playing school or building a new home for a favorite stuffed animal with blocks or legos. Children may be teaching their friends how to play a new card or board game. As children play, they learn to solve problems, to get along with others and to develop fine and gross motor skills needed to grow and learn. They use their imaginations. It is with great joy that I, as a Kindergarten teacher can help them explore, grow and develop new skills during our year PLAYING together! |  |
So how can parents best support their children in learning through play?
- Unplug as a family and set screen time limits
- Play outside in the yard, at the park, roll down a hill
- Allow your child to feel bored... this is when they can come up with their own creative ideas
- Open-ended toys like blocks, dolls, cars,
- Doodle on the driveway with sidewalk chalk.
- Invent a make-believe game where toy cars are the main characters.
- Have them erect forts using old sheets and the couch.
- Build towers, rockets, boats, and more with cardboard boxes.
- Step back and let them come up with ideas on their own
- Do not over-schedule activities They need downtime.
- Have art supplies available for creative play and dramatic play
- Have a family game night
Looking for a family-friendly event that provides the opportunity for creative play? Check out events coming up on the Macaroni Kid Events Calendar including the FREE Learn and Play Family Game Night on February 18th at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School.
