“Play is the work of childhood”- Jean Piaget
Since children develop and acquire knowledge through play, play is often referred to as the “work” of early childhood. Children develop key abilities such as problem-solving, social interaction, and creativity while having fun and enjoying the process when they play.
When my daughter started her early years at one of the principal IB schools in (Indonesia), during that time the school’s methodology idea was play based set up and the set was so friendly, there was no pressure on the child, and they were nurturing them from the roots, offering all the love, care, and foundation to the children. Both the outcomes and the approach used to get those best results, and the results were extremely successful. The result of the learning and the development made were both encouraging and delightful . Participating in play might offer a child the opportunity to improve their abilities as a leader.
The primary objective of play-based education is on learning via play and experimentation. Young children grow and learn at their own pace, which makes it a very effective way to impart knowledge to them. Play-based learning has several benefits for children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and developmental milestones.
Learning through play promotes cognitive development, which is the first and most important benefit. According to the findings of research published by the American Academy of Paediatrics, learning via play fosters creative thinking, as well as the ability to solve problems and think analytically. Children who participate in activities that are cantered on play can benefit from the development of a wide range of cognitive skills, especially language, memory, and spatial awareness. Children can investigate and develop information about the world around them via the use of learning activities that are both entertaining and engaging.
Second, learning via play is beneficial for a child’s social and emotional development. Through play, children get an understanding of how to cooperate with others, take turns, and share materials. The use of play as a method of instruction fosters the development of crucial social skills such as teamwork and collaboration. In a setting that is secure and welcoming for them to do so, children also could express who they are and how they feel.
Last, but certainly not least, educational play enhances the development of one’s physical abilities. Play-based activities are essential for the development of a child’s motor skills, including balance, coordination, and both gross and fine motor skills. In addition to this, it encourages children to be physically active, which is essential to their general health and well-being.
Summarise up, teaching young children is most effectively accomplished through the medium of play. It encourages children’s development in all areas, including their physical, mental, emotional, and social growth, while also allowing them to learn and grow at their own pace. A solid foundation for success and learning throughout one’s life may be formed through play-based education, which provides children with an exciting and enjoyable way to learn about the world around them.
