Learning Through Play
Scientific evidence demonstrates that neural pathways in the brains of children are built through the exploration, thinking, problem solving, and language expression that occur during play. Experts such as Lev Vygotsky identify play as a leading source of social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development.
There are four foundational conditions that are important for children to grow and flourish: Belonging, Well-Being, Engagement, and Expression.
The focus of early years’ education is neither on teaching a body of knowledge nor is it centred on children’s achievement of specific skill sets. It is focused on play and inquiry, through which young children develop the attitudes, strategies, and skills they need to learn how to learn and to interact positively with the world around them.
http://developingchild.harvard.edu/
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/childcare/earlyyearsvision.html
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/childcare/pedagogy.html
There are four foundational conditions that are important for children to grow and flourish: Belonging, Well-Being, Engagement, and Expression.
- Belonging refers to a sense of connectedness to others, the community, and the natural world.
- Well-being addresses both physical and mental health, and incorporates self-care, sense of self, and self-regulation skills.
- Engagement is being focused and interested in the task undertaken. Through self-directed explorations of the world around them, children develop skills such as problem solving, creative thinking, and innovating, which are essential for learning both in and out of school.
- Expression or communication (to be heard, as well as to listen) may take many different forms. Opportunities to use a variety of materials and methods to communicate ideas develop creativity, problem solving, and mathematical behaviours. Language-rich environments offer a foundation for growing literacy.
The focus of early years’ education is neither on teaching a body of knowledge nor is it centred on children’s achievement of specific skill sets. It is focused on play and inquiry, through which young children develop the attitudes, strategies, and skills they need to learn how to learn and to interact positively with the world around them.
http://developingchild.harvard.edu/
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/childcare/earlyyearsvision.html
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/childcare/pedagogy.html