Well....the topic I chose was is learning through play preparing children for going to school academically but, the question I am really going to answer is the benefits of play which will prove that it prepares children for school. The reason I chose this topic is because I am a firm believer it does work! I teach preschool for 4-5 year olds and the growth I see quarterly is amazing. Using a curriculum that has objectives in which children can build and grown on while playing is phenomenal. Being a professional in early childhood is a challenge in itself, but having to defend our profession in the fact that our children do learn is a disgrace! I chose this topic to inform society about the importance of play and how children learn and develop. It is funny to me that when I was young play was acceptable and important in being a child, but now everyone wants to know are they academically ready for the challenges of kindergarten. What is the purpose of knowing the alphabet if the child cannot even express their emotions in an acceptable way or have the ability to make good choices? Play is the spark of thinking outside the box....exploring the world through their own pace of development. The zone of proximal development and the theories of Vygotsky and Piaget are true testaments that learning through play does exist.
In closing I found some great sites on the benefits of
learning through play:
Hi Michele
ReplyDeleteI think it is admirable that you chose a topic that you are interested in being an advocate for. By reviewing and conducting research in your area of interest and sharing that information, you will be promoting the importance of play in early childhood. I also agree that parents are losing site on the importance of play. They are very interested in promoting academics and achievements, but I think people neglect to see that organized sports are also not appropriate for our preschoolers... it is just a variation on formal teaching as opposed to being self-directed exploration.
Carolyn
Hi Michele,
ReplyDeletePlay is such an important part of being a child. Adults need to remember what it is like to be young and to have fun. Everyone needs some form of play in their life. As adults we need to slow down and have some fun so that we can relieve some of the stress that we are under.
I am at the NCaeyc conference right now and have been learning about ways to incorporate readiness skills and intentional teaching in a play environment. I am a very strong believer in learning through play. If we really think about it you learn and remember more if you are having fun doing the activities.
I wish you the best of luck with your research.
Luci
Great topic!I do believe children learn exceptionally well through play. This is also where they develop thier social skills, and confidence. Play helps children to understand the world and whats going on around them, You should be able to find some great information.
ReplyDeleteMichele,
ReplyDeleteI looked forward to following your research on the value of play in early childhood development. So many parents I work with do not understand the value of play because they do not think that their children are learning because they do not understand child development. Parents I work with believe that their children will learn through their ability to sit and complete tasks. However, like you know and will provide is the benefits to play and how it fosters development in young children. I look forward to following your blog :)