Play Based Learning
What is Play-Based Learning?
Play-based learning is, essentially, to learn while at play. Children are naturally motivated to play. A play-based program builds on this motivation, using it as a context for learning. In this framework, children can explore, experiment, discover, and solve problems in imaginative and playful ways.
While the children are at play, our educators are actively taking part in play with the children. They use this time to observe the children. What are they interested in? What are they saying? What emerging skills do I see?
From their observations, the educators create a plan to add new or additional materials, to set up activities for the children to experiment with, and activities that enhance skill development. All the while, encouraging the children to express their feelings, experiences and ideas.
Play Based Learning is a time when each child (with the support of their educator) can initiate an activity which could include (but not limited to):
Play-based learning is, essentially, to learn while at play. Children are naturally motivated to play. A play-based program builds on this motivation, using it as a context for learning. In this framework, children can explore, experiment, discover, and solve problems in imaginative and playful ways.
While the children are at play, our educators are actively taking part in play with the children. They use this time to observe the children. What are they interested in? What are they saying? What emerging skills do I see?
From their observations, the educators create a plan to add new or additional materials, to set up activities for the children to experiment with, and activities that enhance skill development. All the while, encouraging the children to express their feelings, experiences and ideas.
Play Based Learning is a time when each child (with the support of their educator) can initiate an activity which could include (but not limited to):
- Fine motor activities (making intricate structures using Lego, practicing pincer grip by stringing small beads)
- Creative activities (allows the children the freedom of expression, they can explore using different mediums paint, pencils, clay, pastels)
- Math activities (counting blocks as they are stacked, matching shapes, sorting and classifying)
- Language activities (looking at books, listening to stories, matching and identifying letters)
- Dramatic play (children express themselves and use creativity in real life such as shopping and the grocery store, as well as make believe situations such as a princess in a castle)
- Construction activities (children work together to construct using a variety of materials while developing language, social skills, and problem solving)
One of our goals is to provide materials that extend and foster the children’s exploration, play and inquiry. Our educators observe of the children’s interests and emerging skills to develop program planning and promote skill development. We encourage the children to express their feelings, experiences, and ideas.
Our educators will:
Another goal is to provide child-initiated and adult-supported experiences by seeing ourselves in a partnership as co-learners and co-planners with the children. We support a sense of belonging by asking the children for their input as to what toys, equipment, and materials they would like more/less/change/add.
Having the children express themselves is a valuable part of our planning strategy. By collaborating, we provide materials that extend and enhance play and learning, giving the children opportunities to engage individually or as part of a group. We will reflect and evaluate using our observations to ensure individual and group needs are met.
We offer a vast variety of experiences daily:
Our educators will:
- Ensure there are enough play materials available
- Ensure toys/equipment/materials meet each child’s needs (inclusive)
- Provide new play opportunities through interest centres
- Become actively involved in play
- Provide a safe, nurturing and fun environment
- Support social interactions
- Provide developmentally appropriate activities that follow the children’s lead
- Provide choices so children can choose their own play experiences and how they wish to explore
- Maintain open communication with families
- Provide support for parents as needed
- Provide a well-balanced environment for active and quiet times both indoors and outdoor
Another goal is to provide child-initiated and adult-supported experiences by seeing ourselves in a partnership as co-learners and co-planners with the children. We support a sense of belonging by asking the children for their input as to what toys, equipment, and materials they would like more/less/change/add.
Having the children express themselves is a valuable part of our planning strategy. By collaborating, we provide materials that extend and enhance play and learning, giving the children opportunities to engage individually or as part of a group. We will reflect and evaluate using our observations to ensure individual and group needs are met.
We offer a vast variety of experiences daily:
- Dramatic Play
- Science & Nature
- Literacy
- Numeracy
- Gross Motor
- Music
- Fine Motor
- Cognitive
- Art
- Construction
- Group & Individual activities
Inclusion
Halton Hills Child Care Centre provides child care for all children, giving each child equal access to our programs, allowing each to participate in our programs and supporting their individual needs. We will make every reasonable effort to accommodate children and families with unique requirements.
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Childcare AppLillio provides a quick and easy way for our child care providers to record and share your child's activities. We engage parents with digital daily sheets containing at least one photo; everything from silly and fun moments to learning and developmental milestones. Only photos of your child will be shared with you.
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