| Playing is Learning
Children who use their imaginations during unstructured
play are better capable of thinking outside of the box. Young children learn through exploration,
thus discovering a whole new world.
Building blocks, Legos, and puzzles assist in
problem solving. Playing "Supermarket"
and "Restaurant" allow young children to develop social skills needed for
developing friendships. Art stations
encourage children to freely explore their creative side.
During
times of unstructured play there should be no adult telling the children how to
play. The role of the Teacher/adult is
to supervise the children thus making sure that the children are not in any
danger. The teacher should only get
involved for arguments and unfair behavior when he or she sees that the children cannot solve the problem on their own.
This is not to say that learning should solely be based on play. In short, play is most beneficial when combined with teaching techniques and age appropriate lessons.
Learning Centers are Fun
A
classroom with work centers is beneficial because the children move around to each station once they have completed a specific task. The work centers I like to incorporate
include but are not limited to a Writing Center, Library/Reading Center, Math Center,
Puzzles/Game Center, Science Exploration Center,
and a Social Studies/Community Center.
At each of these centers there is appropriate hands on projects including manipulatives. The number of students at each center varies depending on the number of students in class.
During Reading there would be a few stations so that every child has the opportunity to go to each station thus participating in all of the activities. The stations may include: "Word Creation" using a baggy of tile letters, "Story Time" where the children take turns reading, "Write and Draw" where the children draw a picture and write about it, "Write a Message," and "Correct letter Formation." These are just a few of the many kinds of Work Stations. (-Marcia Freeman)
I
feel that it is important to keep my students actively engaged. To do this, the day is filled with
exploration, discovery, and diversity. Although learning centers are great, this is not the only type of learning that occurs. Fun, hands on lessons and projects take place daily. For example, I have taught units on Lady Bugs, and the Rainforest.
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