Play is an important part of child development. It can help develop social skills, emotional intelligence, problem-solving abilities and creativity. But what many people don’t know is that play based learning can also be a great way to teach children.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children has found that kids who learn through play are more engaged and interested in their work than those who don’t. According to multiple studies by researchers at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, students using play as a foundation for learning perform better on standardized tests than those who do not use it as such.
The play-based learning movement has been steadily growing over the past few years. And it’s not difficult to see why – play is an integral part of childhood development, and play-based learning offers a wide array of benefits for students in all grades. But what are some other reasons play should be at the forefront of our education system? This blog post will explore the science behind play, as well as its many benefits for children, and adults!
Play has been around for centuries, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, the play-based learning movement is growing more popular by the day. There are many reasons for this – play is fun, engaging, and beneficial for students of all ages. But what is “play,” exactly?
What is “Play?”
According to Merriam-Webster, play is “activity engaged in for enjoyment and sometimes with a specific purpose.” This could include anything from board games to sports to imaginative play. Play is important because it allows children to learn through exploration and experimentation. In fact, play is so essential to development that the United Nations has declared it a human right!
There are many benefits to play-based learning. For starters, play helps children learn new skills and concepts. It also helps them develop problem-solving abilities, creativity, and teamwork skills. In addition, play can help reduce stress and anxiety, and it has even been shown to improve academic performance.
Play is also beneficial for adults. For example, play can help reduce stress and promote creativity. It can also help people connect with others, which is especially important in the business world. Play-based learning can even improve memory and cognitive function.
So why is play so important? There are many reasons – it’s fun, engaging, beneficial for development, and helpful for adults as well. Play is a natural way for children to learn, and it should be at the forefront of our education system! For more information on play-based learning, visit our website or contact us today. We would be happy to help you get started!
Sources:
“What Is Play?” Merriam-Webster. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2017.
“The Importance of Play-Based Learning.” The Huffington Post Canada. N.p., 07 Mar. 2016. Web. 20 Apr, 2017
“Benefits of Play-Based Learning.” National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Apr, 2017
“The Benefits of Play-Based Learning.” Lil’ Scholar Academy – Home Daycare & Preschool in Kennesaw GA. N.p., 01 Mar. 2016. Web. 20 Apr, 2017
Galloway, Joanne L.. “Play in the Workplace: A Review of the Literature.” International Journal of Play. N.p., 01 Mar. 2016. Web. 20 Apr, 2017
“The Surprising Benefits of Play for Adults.” Psychology Today. Sussex Publishers, LLC., 11 Feb. 2016. Web. 20 Apr, 2017
Walsh, Rebecca A.. “How Playing Games Can Improve Memory.” Psychology Today. Sussex Publishers, LLC., 01 Mar. 2016. Web. 20 Apr, 2017
“The Science of Play.” TED Talks Education. N.p., 05 Dec. 2013. Web. 20 Apr, 2017
