From time to time (well, mostly every day) I capture the children's photos while they are engaged in play. They've become so accustomed to my daily photo documentation that they really don't seem to notice; kind of like those "reality show" families. In the beginning, they would stop and pose and then lose track of what they were doing. Now, they keep on doing what they are doing and they tell me lots of stuff about what they are thinking while they play.
Usually my blog postings are specific to a criteria or inquiry topic. I thought it would be nice to put a lens onto what the children do when they visit the various classroom play centres.
What is this "play-based" learning anyway? What exactly ARE they learning?
Math Skills
Geometry and Spatial Sense (2D/3D Shapes) and Patterning. Notice that the children have made a structure with a stable base to support it.
Patterning and problem-solving skills in action while constructing puzzles!
The students are working together to see where the pieces fit.
Measurement and fine-motor skills development (scooping and rotating patterns) while playing with sand and snow.
Counting 1-1 correspondence (knowing that every object gets one count) and subitizing (e.g. recognizing number patterns on a number cube or ten-frame). Making groups of ten and number recognition.
Oral Language, Reading and Writing Skills
The children are experimenting with drawing and writing using pictures and symbols to express what they want to say. They are learning concepts about print, like that we write from left to right.
Playing together teaches collaboration and turn-taking skills. They are role playing and problem solving through play. They are also practicing their oral language skills.
Using scissors and manipulating letters to make their name. Students are strengthening their hand-eye co-ordination and small muscle control.
Sight word knowledge (words that we learn by memory because they don't follow a prescribed pattern).
Science, Inquiry and Technology
Animals after the ice storm inquiry.
What happened to the bugs?
What happens when we bring snow inside and add food colouring and objects from nature?
What happens when we bring in evergreen branches and paint with them?
What is a shadow?
Playing outside in all weather teaches us about daily and seasonal cycles and weather patterns.
Playing on the computer teaches valuable Literacy and Math skills.
As you can see, our days are full of fun and learning. The next time you ask your child, "what did you do at school today?" And they respond with "nothing" or "I played", remember that play is the Kindergarten child's work.
It's all in a day's work!!
