Through Play a child's true work is discovered. Children are busy when they are Playing, and they are learning when they Play. When a child's play involves; looking, pouring, bouncing, dropping, lifting, building, knocking over, hiding, and play acting they are learning.
Through Play, children learn many skills, such as personal and social skills, oral and receptive language, mathematics, writing, reading and different ways of thinking. These skills help children do well in school and in life. When children feel good about learning and are eager, curious, and confident when starting school, they are more likely to continue on a journey of lifelong learning.
How to engage children in meaningful Play?
In our kindergarten classroom, we as educators are encouraging our students to extend their learning. We set up the classroom daily with activities and materials that promote more complex language and skills development, Math, Literacy (English and French) and Science are integrated into play centers and small group lessons. Children learn more effectively and are more excited to learn when these areas are integrated into their play environments.