Full Day Kindergarten: What is Play-Based Learning?

In September 2011 all schools in B.C. will offer full-day kindergarten programs that will include a play-based learning curriculum. Some parents may wonder what this means, and how play effects the development of their child and their learning outcomes.

Play is the work of childhood and is paramount to a child’s development; it is recognized by the United Nations High Commission for human rights.

Yes, it is the right of all children the world over to simply play. But what is play-based learning?

Often, when we think about learning we naturally think of the cognitive domain (intellect), but play based learning is so much more. It takes the whole child development into consideration; involving domains of social, emotional, physical, aesthetic, and language acquisition.

In addition to these, good play-based learning also takes into consideration learning styles, and the uniqueness of each individual; indeed a tall order for such small charges.

Structured play based learning may be facilitated by an adult but the basis for the play should be child centered; meaning, the learning should originate with the child. A fine example of this is the Reggio Emilia approach where children direct their own learning and teachers act as facilitators and researchers, guiding the children to be curious about every aspect of their world. For example, children learn science through experimenting, cooking or flying a kite. Play-based learning is hands on, trial and error, and the absolute best way for the early developing brain to learn.

When your child enters kindergarten in the fall, talk to their teacher about the play-based curriculum:  what it entails and how it will be worked into the rest of the full-day curriculum.

A play-based curriculum should foster a love of exploration and discovery, encourage natural curiosity, provide opportunities to make sense of the world and set children on the track for lifelong learning.

Camille Netherton is a trained Early Childhood Education and Special Needs Consultant and has been working with children and families for over 20 years. She is a Consultant and Coordinator of the Delta Connex program and Family Workshops presenter for Reach Child and Youth Development Society. Reach, a non-profit organization, has programs for children and youth including Reach Developmental Preschool which combines kindergarten readiness and skill building activities with play-based learning. Reach is located in east Ladner, B.C. and is currently raising money to build a community-based child development centre in the heart of the community. For information about Reach and Reach Preschool call 604-946-6622 or visit www.reachdevelopment.org