Play is a vehicle for learning and rests at the core of innovation and creativity. It has long been acknowledged that there is a strong link between play and learning for young children, especially in the areas of problem solving, language acquisition, literacy, and mathematics, as well as the development of social, physical, and emotional skills.
-- NAEYC, 2009; Fullan, 2013; Ontario Ministry of Education, 2014
Learning Through Play
- Develops language skills, problem solving skills, social communication, self regulation and focus
- Makes learning fun and engaging
- Allows for practice of a variety of skills
- Brings families together
Here are some ways to play and explore at home:
- Play board games together
- Use your imagination to pretend play (e.g. create a store, doctor’s office, a restaurant, etc.)
- Create using loose parts (e.g., cardboard boxes, cups, sticks, rocks). Ask children to tell you about their creations
- Spend some time in nature. Talk about what you both see, hear and wonder
- Talk about and investigate children’s interests (e.g. if the child has an interest in cars, ask children what questions they have, spend time observing cars in the community and share what you notice about cars, read nonfiction books or watch videos about cars to help answer children’s questions)
Additional resources for families to support play and exploration at home