Why We Play In Preschool
Play in the world of children is a serious scheme through which they learn. What appears to be play to the outsider observing a preschool program is a very carefully planned and staged program of instruction. As a problem solver and decision maker, the child is building ego, will power and reasoning.
Play is a time for deep concentration. Play is a time of earnestness and intensity. Free play is thinking time, memory time, language time, problem solving time, planning time, investigating time, and organization-of-idea time. Through play the child's mind and body begin to work together.
Center activities and examples of how children learn through play:
Building: Dexterity and laterality are acquired, measuring and problem solving are practiced. Concepts of size, weight, shape, and number values are learned.
Art: Art is a means of self expression. Coloring, painting, and cutting increase tactile and visual acuity, promote creativity, planning" observation and problem solving.
Sensory Tables: Sensory play lays the foundation for learning about volume, temperature and texture. Coordination is developed through pouring, sifting and measuring.
Play-dough: In working with play-dough, children coordinate the large and small muscles of shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. Children can show concepts such as flat, round, thin, big and little, as well as, discuss texture.
Dramatic Play: Provides opportunities for language, fantasy, trying out different roles, retelling a story, and problem solving. Children are given opportunities for sharing, cooperation and understanding self and others.
Discovery: A foundation for mathematical thinking, organizing, analytical and logical thinking, scientific discovery and problem solving. Children develop observation skills, a sense of wonder and an appreciation of nature. They learn to explore, experiment and take risks in order to learn.
Play is a time for deep concentration. Play is a time of earnestness and intensity. Free play is thinking time, memory time, language time, problem solving time, planning time, investigating time, and organization-of-idea time. Through play the child's mind and body begin to work together.
Center activities and examples of how children learn through play:
Building: Dexterity and laterality are acquired, measuring and problem solving are practiced. Concepts of size, weight, shape, and number values are learned.
Art: Art is a means of self expression. Coloring, painting, and cutting increase tactile and visual acuity, promote creativity, planning" observation and problem solving.
Sensory Tables: Sensory play lays the foundation for learning about volume, temperature and texture. Coordination is developed through pouring, sifting and measuring.
Play-dough: In working with play-dough, children coordinate the large and small muscles of shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. Children can show concepts such as flat, round, thin, big and little, as well as, discuss texture.
Dramatic Play: Provides opportunities for language, fantasy, trying out different roles, retelling a story, and problem solving. Children are given opportunities for sharing, cooperation and understanding self and others.
Discovery: A foundation for mathematical thinking, organizing, analytical and logical thinking, scientific discovery and problem solving. Children develop observation skills, a sense of wonder and an appreciation of nature. They learn to explore, experiment and take risks in order to learn.