ABL session 5.pdf
- 2. O. Fred Donaldson Play Specialist “Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.”
- 3. What are these children doing?
- 17. And you are right - because these children were doing all of these things. Some of you may have answered: • they are playing; • they are learning about their world; • they are investigating; • they are exploring.
- 18. What Does Play Look Like? The most learning can occur in uninterrupted child-led free play.
- 19. Click to edit text – body size 18 - minimum size 16 (only to be used if really needed) interesting for them Play can be any activity, imaginary or with toys, that is: chosen by them fun for them something they want to do What is Play?
- 20. Click to edit text – body size 18 - minimum size 16 (only to be used if really needed) Play is when children choose what they want to do and are motivated by their own interests. They don't do it to get something from someone else, but because it's fun and important for them. Playing is a very important part of growing up and being healthy. What is Play?
- 21. Children Have the Right to Play Children have the right to take a break and have fun, and to participate in activities that are suitable for their age.
- 22. Why Should Children Play? Play is essential for developing: cognitive skills social interaction physical skills imagination creativity emotional regulation communication skills resilience wellbeing
- 23. Why Learn through Play? Young children naturally explore and learn through play. Play is a fun, motivating and meaningful way to learn. It enables children to learn at their own level and pace while making connections. Learning through play can also provide continuity across early level between nursery and Primary 1 and help to support transitions.
- 24. Types of Learning through Play Adult-Led or Active Learning Adult-led play, sometimes called Active Learning, is initiated and directed by the adult. Specific learning intentions are planned for by the adult. Free Play or Child-Lead Play Free play or child-led play is entirely initiated and directed by the child. The adult’s role is to observe and interact if the opportunity arises to extend learning, following the child’s interests.
- 25. The Role of the Adult during Play The adult will: observe the child playing; interact with the child and participate in their play when appropriate; challenge the child’s thinking by commenting, modelling, pondering and questioning; add resources to extend and deepen learning; plan activities, next steps and evaluate learning.
- 26. Benefits of Activity-Based Learning Activity-Based Learning has innumerable benefits, especially in early childhood development. Let us comb through some of its benefits:
- 27. It encourages children to be inquisitive and independent. It helps them to think analytically. It kindles their curiosity which in turn makes them active and not passive. The children become more observant. Its focus is on ‘learning by doing’ method. Inquisitive And Independent
- 28. It supports the development of social skills. It improves their confidence, tests their cooperation levels when in groups, and builds their communication skills. The children learn to challenge themselves and come up with creative solutions. Social Skills
- 29. It enhances memory. This is true even for adults and not just children. Anything we do, we remember for a longer period, than anything we read or listen to. The retention and recall rates are undoubtedly better with activity-based learning. Enhances Memory
- 30. It encourages them to express themselves freely. Activity-based learning helps children get in touch with their emotions and convey them. Express Themselves
- 31. Continuous engagement. This is perhaps the most significant benefit. As opposed to classroom teaching, activity-based learning faces no threat of inattention. Since the children are actively involved at every step, they cannot stray away. Continuous Engagement.
- 32. Ability variability: This feature is hugely leveraged by activity-based learning. Not all children can grasp things at the same time or pace or degree. Each child is unique, even in their ability to learn. Activity-based learning promotes learning at the pace of each child, thus eliminating the stress of time or pace at which they learn. Ability Variability
- 33. Motivation: Unquestionably, each child feels a sense of accomplishment in performing each activity. They feel motivated by each of their achievements. This enhances their confidence to believe in their abilities. Motivation