Research repeatedly supports the idea that play is learning. Play matters. Play is enough.
Yet when children make the transition to formal schooling, the emphasis on play suddenly disappears. We are lucky here in Australia that recess twice a day is a part of every day in classes across the country.
Is this authentic play?
Are the choices for play limited?
Is risky play encouraged?
The benefits of play don’t suddenly end when a child begins school. Play shouldn’t only happen outdoors and learning shouldn’t only happen indoors.
So how can the benefits of play be incorporated into the daily routine of school?
There are countless opportunities throughout the curriculum for play to be included in a genuine and meaningful way. Play such as mark making, story stones, dress ups, and small world play during literacy. Invitations and provocations to create and explore during STEAM subjects.
Play isn’t just for the littlest learner, as the below table from play researcher Pasi Sahlberg shows, there are opportunities for play at any age!
* playful teaching and learning, discovery, and experimentation with adult guidance
** regular periods for free play, choice, and passion projects that offer self-directedness, intrinsic motivation, positive emotions, process orientation, and use of imagination.
Source:
Sahlberg, P., Doyle, W. and Robinson, K., 2019. Let the children play. New York: Oxford University Press.
It is my hope that by visiting here you will find at least one way you can begin to include opportunities for authentic play within your classroom. Please come back to let me know how you and your class respond!
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