Have you ever wondered about the value of play-based learning? I remember when I was very hesitant about the idea. I Thought my clients would object and need proof of structure (as if play-based is unruly). The highlight of my program at the time was boasting early years literacy and that the children in my ‘learning’ environment read by the time they were three years old. My environment was structured and I forced the little bodies to sit still, crisis cross apple sauce, be still, no talking- shhh, and it was chaotic and stressful not only for the little bodies that endured but for me trying desperately not to fail.
Deep inside I knew the children were not happily learning (they were happy, but not happily learning). I was desperately trying to be the best daycare teacher, I was on a rant to prove children can achieve intellectually at an early age. I came from a culture where children are pushed to achieve – it’s not an option. I took that approach to my educational career – the children were not given choices. I told them what to do; when to sit, stand, play, go to the bathroom, eat, sleep – I was standing like a big boss.
Do this / Do that!
It was not working! Connor was extremely stubborn, rebelliously he didn’t want to sit still, be in circle time, or learn the posters on the wall. Andrew on the other hand was the three-year-old that listened -the obedient one. Senu was a chatterbox the one who interrupted storytime and formed a clique with the others – looking back I believe they were trying to boycott classes. Jillian wanted to play with dolls all day – that’s the time she displayed all the rules and all the dolls got timeout for not obeying. And with everyone commanding the ship, I wasn’t present ( there in body but mentally checked out) – it wasn’t working. The more it didn’t work, the more I sought traditional school answers. I armed myself with an educational degree thinking that was the key to my success. And yes, that helped me understand their psychology but not their natural desire to play. Fast forward and here I am to tell you – what helped me. Are you ready?
Sally Haughey of Fairy Dust Teaching helped my dyslexic brain comprehend what having a play-based setting is and how it engages children’s natural curiosity. How the children and teachers learn together. The moment I tapped into her teaching it was freedom, and I immediately connected to some of the positive cultural roots that I once ran from. My early years setting is now completely play-based.
Want to learn how you can incorporate Play-Based Learning in your setting CLICK Attend This INTERNATIONAL Free To Play Summit and you’ll forever be changed – a better educator will emerge and PLAY will no longer be shunned. What you will get from the summit –
- 20 hours of online learning
- 16 sessions on the Head, Heart, and Hands of play-based education. Play Experts in the field will be your Guide
- Play Labs with practical ideas and demonstrations to bring out YOUR play and for you to bring it back to your classroom
Did I tell you – I am one of the speakers too – yah!
Freedom Happened For Me – It can happen for you too!
#please note the link provided above is an affiliate link – this will help my playschool continued commitment to fostering creativity, curiosity, discovery, exploration, gas to the forest preserves, and much more -thank you. PS – get the all-access pass it gives you the certificate option shhh.
We all have a child inside of us waiting to be FREE!
Join the Free To Play Summit – May 14-17, 2022
– xoxo Miss Sue
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