Play-based learning recognizes that children are naturally curious and learn best through hands-on exploration and discovery. Children learn best through active engagement and exploration in a meaningful and enjoyable context. Instead of relying solely on traditional teaching methods, play-based learning embraces children's innate curiosity and creativity to foster their development. By engaging in purposeful play, children not only acquire essential academic skills but also develop crucial social, emotional, and cognitive abilities.

By integrating play into the learning process, children are given the freedom to explore, create, and make meaningful connections with the world around them. Play-based learning has many benefits, ranging from enhanced cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills to improved social and emotional development.

Play creates an environment where children feel motivated, engaged, and excited to actively participate in their own education. Play-based learning helps children become well-rounded individuals who are equipped with the skills, creativity, and resilience needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

(Adapted from July 18, 2024, the BrightWheel website/blog https://mybrightwheel.com/blog/what-is-play-based-learning)

You will notice an improvement in your child’s problem-solving skills, learning behaviors, attitude toward school, and approach to other situations. In addition, teachers can share observations and examples to demonstrate a child’s progress over time.  

Children who have experienced a play-based curriculum have a positive disposition for learning and have advanced social-emotional skills. They are also confident, curious, and problem-solvers. They have all the skills necessary to be ready to learn and take on new challenges that come with starting kindergarten. Research has shown that children benefit differently from all forms of play across the continuum. Yet, guided play experiences lead to the most significant learning and developmental outcomes for children

Conflict is inevitable during the course of children’s play, whenever they become frustrated or angry. This does not mean children are bad, selfish, or mean. Young children may simply not yet learned how to interpret social cues, understand other viewpoints, or match their behavior to the situation. To help children learn how to work out their disagreements together, teachers use the following process to solve problems and resolve conflicts:

1. Approach calmly, stopping any hurtful actions or language — A calm manner reassures children that things are under control and can be worked out to everyone’s satisfaction.

2. Acknowledge feelings — Children need to express their feelings before they can let go of them and think about possible solutions to the problem.

3. Gather information — Adults are careful not to make assumptions or takes sides. We ask open-ended questions to help children describe what happened in their own words.

4. Restate the problem — Using the information provided by the children, the adult restates the problem, using clear and simple terms and, if necessary, rephrasing hurtful words.

5. Ask for ideas for solutions and choose one together — Adults encourage children to suggest solutions, helping to put them in practical and concrete terms. We accept their ideas, rather than impose our own, thus giving children the satisfaction of having solved the problem.

6. Give follow-up support as needed — Adults help children begin to carry out their solution, making sure that no one remains upset. If necessary, one or more steps may be repeated until all the children return to their play.