OTT 152: Is Play an Essential Aspect of a Child's Learning Process in School?

Today we are talking about play. You see, most educators have a love-hate relationship with the word “play”. We are often told to add more rigor to our lessons. And to be on the same page at the exact same time as our co-workers down the hall. (Oh, how I despise that!)

We are also often told that play in school is a bad thing. Not TRUE. There is a real-world value to play. Through play, children have the opportunity to make sense of the world around them. Plus, it is developmentally appropriate. Playing has also been known to bring joy. Who doesn't need more joy in their lives? I know I do.

The idea that children learn best through play, is one of the reasons I love Makerspace so much. Makerspace feels like play. Yet, it is so much more involved. Kids are learning, thinking, creating, exploring, and yes, playing. 

Skills learned through play:

Problem-Solving

Creativity

Imagination Building

Innovation Skills

Social and Emotional Skills

Principles of Play:

1. Limit restrictions

2. Involve students

3. Blur the lines between inside and outside

4. Create the right environment

5. Solve real-life problems

6. Allow children to learn through experimentation

7. Use a variety of materials

8. Add water

9. Use what you already have

10. PLAY!

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Loose Parts by Carla Gull, Suzanne Levenson Goldstein, and Tricia Rosengarten (affiliate link)

Makerspace Bootcamp

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