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OTT: 152: Is Play an Essential Aspect of a Child's Learning Process in School?

Today we are talking about play. You see, most educators have a love-hate relationship with the word “play”. We are often told to add more rigor to our lessons. And to be on the same page at the exact same time as our co-workers down the hall. (Oh, how I despise that!)

We are also often told that play in school is a bad thing. Not TRUE. There is a real-world value to play. Through play, children have the opportunity to make sense of the world around them. Plus, it is developmentally appropriate. Playing has also been known to bring joy. Who doesn't need more joy in their lives? I know I do.

The idea that children learn best through play, is one of the reasons I love Makerspace so much. Makerspace feels like play. Yet, it is so much more involved. Kids are learning, thinking, creating, exploring, and yes, playing. 

Skills learned through play:

Problem-Solving

Creativity

Imagination Building

Innovation Skills

Social and Emotional Skills

Principles of Play:

1. Limit restrictions
2. Involve students
3. Blur the lines between inside and outside
4. Create the right environment
5. Solve real-life problems
6. Allow children to learn through experimentation
7. Use a variety of materials
8. Add water
9. Use what you already have
10. PLAY!

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Loose Parts by Carla Gull, Suzanne Levenson Goldstein, and Tricia Rosengarten (affiliate link)

Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace: 5 Ideas for Integrating Makerspace Into Your Instruction

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June Reading Comprehension 2nd Grade | Summer Reading Passages & Questions

Perfect for end-of-year learning, summer school, or preventing summer learning loss, these short, engaging reading passages help students continue to practice comprehension skills.

Support the show

Help stop the summer slide and help students love reading with Summer Reading Comprehension Stories written for 2nd grade with questions and response practice. 

 👉 Summer Reading Comprehension for 2nd Grade

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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

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