A cornerstone of the Elonera Preschool philosophy is that children learn best through play. As kindergarten educators we are often asked how play based learning supports the children’s school readiness, so I would like to take this opportunity to share and explore with our families how play supports and develops the children’s transition to school.
Children make sense of the world and their experiences through play and they need to be provided the space, time and opportunity to work through these. Play based learning maximises adult interactions with children, enabling meaningful observations that inform future learning focuses and also reflects our high expectations for children’s individual achievement.
A play based program has many benefits for children as it facilitates the development of skills, dispositions and knowledge. An effective play based program can assist children to develop lifelong learning skills that will stay with them beyond the early learning environment. Engaging in play based learning enables children to use and develop thinking skills such as problem solving, reasoning and lateral thinking. It offers opportunities to interact with others, develop communication strategies and work in collaboration with peers and adults. It can foster literacy, numeracy and the development of scientific concepts. Pre-reading, numeracy and writing skills are embraced and embedded in the kindergarten program. The children are provided the opportunity to explore and experiment with letter and print; explore scientific and mathematical concepts; and are exposed to a variety of stories, storytellling, songs, puppetry and dramatic play. Through their participation in play based experiences the children are encouraged to explore and develop these skills at their own pace.
As children are empowered to make decisions and initiate play, they become confident and motivated learners. This in turn fosters responsibility and self regulation. Play also provides children with many opportunities to resolve conflict, challenge unfair play and embrace diversity.
School readiness in the context of play based learning at kindergarten is also about giving children the opportunity to develop the confidence and skills to make friends; to enter a group play situation; to be able to assert their own ideas and needs, and feel good about doing so; to be able to consider the needs of their playmates; and to self regulate their emotions; to cooperate and negotiate with their peers. It is also about encouraging children to make independent choices; to problem solve; and follow through to complete self-chosen experiences. Having exposure to and exploring these social and emotional skills throughout their kindergarten years lays the foundation for the children’s successful transition into primary school.
Gina
