We’ve had the privilege of going behind the scenes and conversing with Education Experts from around the globe to present their insights and guidance on the significance of Play-based Learning for children.
We are thrilled to introduce the 'Learning Through Play Series – 1', featuring:
- Dr. Cindy Hovington from Curious Neuron (Canada), curiousneuron.com
- Dr. Paul Swan from Swan Consultancy (Australia), drpaulswan.com.au
- Dr. Sandra Lee, Early Childhood Consultant (USA/China)
- Jacinth Liew from Our Little Play Nest (Singapore), ourlittleplaynest.com
- Kwan Chiao Chyi from Tickle Your Senses (Singapore), tickleyoursenses.com.sg
Edx Education is about the 'learning through play' movement. This approach has been consistently acknowledged as a highly effective method of teaching in early childhood education, both in classrooms and at home. Here are some of the benefits of this method, as highlighted by our experts:
Enhancing Engagement and Enjoyment
Learning through play is inherently fun and captivating for children. This approach leverages the natural curiosity and joy that children experience during play, making learning a more pleasurable and sustained activity. When children are engaged and having fun, they are more likely to remain attentive and participate actively, which enhances their overall learning experience.
Facilitating Tactile and Visual Learning
Play-based learning involves hands-on activities that stimulate children’s senses. This tactile and visual form of learning allows children to explore and interact with their environment in meaningful ways. Through activities such as building blocks, drawing, and sorting, children can better grasp complex concepts and ideas. This multi sensory approach caters to various learning styles and helps in solidifying their understanding.
Improving Concentration and Focus
Engaging in play requires children to concentrate and focus on the task at hand. Whether they are solving puzzles, playing with educational toys, or engaging in imaginative play, children develop their ability to concentrate for longer periods. This skill is crucial not only for academic success but also for everyday activities, as it helps them to complete tasks and solve problems efficiently.
Developing Fine Motor Skills
Many play activities are designed to enhance children’s fine motor skills. Actions such as grasping small objects, threading beads, or using scissors help strengthen the muscles in their hands and fingers. These activities improve their hand-eye coordination and dexterity, which are essential for writing and other daily tasks. Fine motor skills are fundamental building blocks for more complex physical abilities.
Supporting Early Mathematical Understanding
Play-based learning is instrumental in introducing early mathematical concepts to children. Through play, children engage in activities that involve counting, sorting, and recognizing patterns. For example, when they stack blocks or group objects by color or size, they are practicing essential math skills. This playful approach to math helps children develop a positive attitude towards the subject, making them more likely to succeed in formal math education later on.
Encouraging Social and Emotional Development
Play often involves interaction with peers, which is vital for social and emotional development. Through cooperative play, children learn to share, negotiate, and empathize with others. They develop communication skills and build relationships, which are crucial for their social competence. Play also provides a safe space for children to express their emotions and develop self-regulation skills.
Fostering Creativity and Imagination
Play is a natural outlet for creativity and imagination. Children use their imagination to create scenarios, solve problems, and explore new ideas. This creative process is vital for cognitive development and helps children to think critically and innovatively. Encouraging imaginative play helps children to develop a sense of agency and confidence in their abilities.
Edx Education is committed to promoting the benefits of learning through play. This approach not only makes learning enjoyable but also supports various aspects of child development, including cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. By incorporating play into early childhood education, we can help children build a strong foundation for future learning and success. Explore our range of early childhood products to see how play can enhance learning for your child.