Importance of play based learning

Children and Playing are two inseparable words. It is very rightly believed by experts that ‘Play is our brain’s favourite way of learning.’ Play has an impeccable effect on adults. Imagine the effect it can have on kids and toddlers. 

Playing has an exponential impact on the learning of children. That’s the reason preschools have adopted Play based learning. Now, Play based learning is not about timing outdoor play for children. It has an in depth value. The activities have to be carefully planned to incorporate values like team work, sharing and cooperation. 

Play based learning is a form of early childhood education through playful activities. It relates to learning while playing. When a child is involved in a playful activity, he is completely willing to do that act. At the same time, he is enjoying and observing other toddlers do the same task. While playing, the child is repeating the same task and enjoying it every time. He repeats the action and is completely involved physically and mentally with his team mates.  

At times, work-based activities are also disguised in the form of play-based activities to acquire a much more rewarding outcome. Now what are the outcomes that we are looking at? 

Play based learning is sharply directed towards developing social skills, emotional skills and motor skills. Play based activities are generally process oriented. So the child follows a set method while playing. This way the child develops a logical thought process. While enjoying outdoor play, child’s fine motor and gross motor skills develop along with balance and eye –hand coordination. Indoor games also deeply contribute in developing imagination, creativity and concentration. 

Play based learning techniques motivate the children to communicate well. Their language improves and they try to employ storytelling, ask questions and state likes or dislikes. Short conversations among children help them express their thoughts and they develop the skill of having a conversation. All these enhancements happen naturally because of a structured play based learning. 

Play based learning is an effective way of developing confidence among young minds. So the curriculum followed at schools must surely include Play based learning just the way Edsmart curriculum has done. In the Edsmart curriculum, the activities are creatively devised for encouraging play based learning. They develop a positive attitude towards schools and peers. Play based learning is self directed activity. This also impacts their independence and self reliance. Here the activities are result free so the children do it without the pressure of completing the task. They learn merely by enjoying. This is the reason play based learning has made a inescapable place in the curriculum. 

Preschools need to devote time specific activities for play based learning in the daily schedule. An effective curriculum framework like Edsmart would be capable of assessing the results based on play based learning. Traditional curriculum needs to evolve and Play based learning needs to be wisely incorporated for fun and education at the same time.