Play a natural means for children to delve into the world around them
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PLAY is the leading source of development in early years, and through play, children develop cognitive, socio-emotional, and physical skills. A play-based school model is unique in that children are engaged by caring and skilled early childhood educators who enrich their experiences to further enhance their learning and development.
Although play is tremendously fun, the benefits extend far beyond pleasure. Play supports physical development, and as children mature, they use their muscles in a continually more complex way. Play allows frequent practice of complicated actions to develop a better awareness of body, space, and direction. Research suggests that the way children play also contributes to their ability to solve problems, improves memory, and stimulates brain growth. Play also offers a safe environment for children to practice communication and literacy skills through gestures, debate, and verbal and non-verbal communication. Children often use literary props in play, such as books, greeting cards, and whiteboards. This helps children develop emergent literacy skills and also understand the need for written language in everyday life. Furthermore, play provides the perfect context for children to build social and emotional skills and children learn to self-regulate behavior, build positive relationships, and handle challenging situations.
YCIS’s Early Childhood Education Program follows an Emergent Curriculum, driven by the interests, wonders, and curiosities of the children rather than a curriculum based on predetermined topics and isolated academic skills. Two fully qualified co-teachers in every classroom, one International and one Chinese, are familiar with the developmental stages of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework from the English National Curriculum, and support children’s development by observing children at play and organizing the environment to promote rich learning opportunities. Observations and interactions with children shows teachers which further resources and opportunities should be provided for development. This ensures that new skills and ideas are embedded in a meaningful context for young children and learning remains fresh and exciting. To support children in a play-based model our co-teachers have a sound understanding of each child’s developmental level and the skills they will develop next.
As an example of a play-based model in action, a YCIS Kindergarten 4 class recently became intrigued by a story about a rainy day. Several children wondered where the rain had come from, leading to an engaging investigation of the water cycle led by the children. Where does it come from? Where does it go? What is water? The children found answers and constructed knowledge through stories, songs, exploring art, consulting experts, and developing scientific concepts. The class consulted with the science department at our Secondary Gubei campus and the children and their parents were invited to the lab to conduct experiments with steam. The children were inspired by this experience and it helped to consolidate their belief that they are capable and competent learners with the ability to drive their own learning. These activities offered opportunities for children to work as a team, listen to others’ ideas, and think critically. There were plenty of opportunities to expand their English and Chinese vocabulary and for children to express their ideas in both languages. Children’s mathematical thinking was extended by gathering and comparing data and independent exploration. Most importantly, the children’s ideas were valued, their curiosity rewarded, and they were intrinsically motivated to continue learning. How do you think this will shape their behavior the next time a story piques their interest?
Play offers a natural means for children to investigate the world and to construct, organize, and synthesize knowledge through firsthand experience. Through a play-based Early Years model, children learn curiosity, problem-solving, flexibility, and communication skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
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