What is play-based learning?

Play-based learning provides opportunities for children to actively engage with people, objects, and the environment which develops a sense of the world around them through inquiry, exploration, interaction, and problem-solving.

Different types of plays in play-based learning are:

Dramatic- may include multiple participants, for example, a family play

Fantasy- may be a dramatization of events, play of character(superhero, action figure)

Exploratory- Young learners(children) experiment with the properties of equipment and objects

Manipulative- Young learners manipulate parts within materials, for example, construction sets, puzzles, etc

Small World Play- Miniature equipment including small figures, animals, furniture is utilized

Physical- Here physical moves like playing, action is played upon

Digital Play- Includes tablets, computers, video equipment, digital phones, electronic whiteboards, electronic toys

Play-based learning can be very beneficial to kids and can help to develop a better personality of children from a young age making them young leaders. Some of the important skills/benefits that a child can have during play-based learning are given below:

• Play-based learning develops the content knowledge of children and provides children to develop the skills of collaboration, to negotiate and to reach compromises, to share ideas and express opinions, to make and follow rules. It also develops the social skills of children when they engage in real-life and imaginary-based plays.

• During play-based learning children use all of their senses. They communicate their thoughts and expressions, explore new environments and learn to connect what they already know to the new knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

• The children get their first-hand experience as the purpose of the plays is to motivate, stimulate and support children in the development of their skills, concepts, communication skills, and concentration.

• Teachers enhance play-based environments by providing the right materials and creating a space that is focused on the needs of children.

• In play-based learning, children get curious as they see new situations around the different types of plays, which make them ask their queries, which helps in improving various skills of children.

• The Play evokes innovation and creativity as children explore and experiment, clarify and construct knowledge. Children remain motivated to take ownership and responsibility for their learning in play-based learning.

Play-based learning evokes various critical and creative thinking in students. Some of the various dimensions in which a student thinks using play-based learning are:

-Identify and clarify thoughts and ideas

-Organize and process information

-Imagine possibilities and connect ideas

-Consider alternatives

-Seek solutions and put ideas into action

-Apply logic and reasoning

-Evaluate procedures and outcomes

Implementing play-based learning

There is a significant role of teachers in implementing play-based learning. A variety of roles that a teacher performs during a play are given below:

1. Listening- A major role of a teacher is to respond to young learners’ conversations, inquiries and questions and this can be done by listening to them patiently.

2-Solving Problems- Allowing young learners to generate their ideas. One of the effective ways of doing this can be cross-questioning the young learners.

3-Provoking- Challenging young learners’ way of knowing, thinking, and doing to develop deep understandings.

4-Researching- To extend children’s understanding, abilities, and interests.

5-Gradual release of support- As a young learner becomes more confident in his work, the teacher can remove support and make him do his work independently.