Learning through Play Photo by James Emery
Directed and undirected play is an important part of learning for children. Daycare jobs include allowing children to play naturally and directing their play as well. Play helps children learn new concepts and problem-solving skills in a natural, fun way. Gale Kelleher, director of Rainbow Nursery School in New York explains the importance of learning through play. Kelleher describes how play in daycare centers leads to real life learning in various areas of development.
OwnADaycare: What is the importance of learning through play?
Gale Kelleher: Learning through play introduces and teaches new skills with a happy, comfortable and fun approach.
OwnADaycare How does play lead to real life learning in the area of social and emotional learning? What are some examples of play activities in this area?
Gale Kelleher: Play in a classroom leads to real life learning through experiences of sharing, turn -taking, listening, being helpful and kind to others. It teaches social interaction skills and enhances responsibilities. Example: Waiting your turn to get on line, answer questions, do a classroom job, listen and help your friends, clean your place after snack, etc.
OwnADaycare How does play lead to real life learning in the area of cognitive development? What are some examples of play activities preschool teachers can offer in this area?
Gale Kelleher: Concrete learning and problem solving through play enhances higher thinking skills. Example: Role playing, teaching basic steps to learn a specific task and modeling an activity.
OwnADaycare How does play lead to real life learning in the area of language and literacy development? What are some examples of play activities preschool teachers can offer in this area?
Gale Kelleher: Through play skills the children learn to develop their vocabulary. They learn the meaning of new words and develop and sharpen their thought process. This is through receptive and expressive language.
OwnADaycare How does play lead to real life learning in the area of physical development? What are some examples of play activities preschool teachers can offer in this area?
Gale Kelleher: The children improve their physical development through play. Such activities include skipping, jumping, hopping, ball throwing, swinging on swings sand box play and slides. These are some activities that develop their gross motor skills. Fine motor skills are developed through activities such as cutting, coloring, play dough, puzzles and drawing.
OwnADaycare What are examples of good verbal cues that preschool teachers can use to enhance learning through play?
Gale Kelleher: Some verbal cues might be: “Use your words, look at your friends and talk to them. Wait your turn, be nice, share and express your wants and needs”.
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