Learning through play-based education allows kids to grow and learn in a nurturing and unhurried environment. While parents of early childhood learners might be uncomfortable with this teaching method, it builds a foundation in the child’s social and emotional life. These capabilities get built more when the child makes deep relationships during play.

Teachers can take part in maximizing student learning through play by incorporating loosely structured lessons and ensuring the kids have access to open-ended materials. These play-based learning experiences and access to unstructured time help develop problem-solving skills in kids. They also learn to be expressive at an early age.

Play-Based Learning vs. Academics

Academics require students to produce specific outputs, like mathematics and other subjects. The difference with play-based learning is that the latter allows kids to give an open-ended response. As a result, it opens room for spontaneous and deep understanding.

However, the teacher needs to set learning goals when using this learning method to teach young children for better results. They should be observant and check the children’s progress using open-ended questions to encourage them to think deeply.

Another difference is that early childhood education restricts kids to long seat time to acquire academic skills and requires the teachers to reach the parents’ and other leaders’ expectations. Conversely, guided play can help the kids achieve math and other skills they wouldn’t get during traditional learning. 

Benefits for Preschoolers, & Kindergarteners 

Some benefits of playful learning for preschoolers and kindergarteners are enhancing children’s literacy and language development. Active experiences in child-led plays also help in cognitive development, and they learn social and emotional skills through interacting with others. Through this form of learning, the kids can also know how to take turns and cooperate with others.

Exposing kindergarteners to play-based learning helps them gain creative and imaginative skills by playing with paint, art pieces, and color to create objects. Free play will also help with the physical development of the kids, as well as their motor skills.

Play-Based Learning in Private School

Children aged four or five can get play-based learning in private schools. Some parents are skeptical about such programs because they claim young students should attend school to learn, but they are essential. Play is a defining feature for kids, and it helps them develop better and faster. Thankfully, private schools like Lighthouse offers play-based learning.

Using Play to Encourage Your Little One’s Life Skills

Teachers and parents should encourage learning through play-based education for their children. It helps to instill many skills in growing children that they would not get from traditional learning. As a parent, consider enrolling your child in an educational institution that offers both learning techniques for balance. 

Call us today for more information on play-based education.