August 29, 2023

Unpacking Play-Based Learning vs. Child-Led Learning: Letting Go of Control

24 minutes

HelllllloooooOOOOooooo and welcome back to another episode of Honoring Play! Today, we're diving into a question from one of our listeners: What's the difference between play-based learning and child-led learning? If you've ever wondered about this, join in while we unpack this together.

In this episode, hosts Kristen RB Peterson and Samuel Broaden engage in an eye-opening conversation that unpacks these two approaches to early childhood education. They explore the nuances and connections between them, shedding light on how they intertwine and coexist beautifully.

Key Takeaways:

Defining Play-Based Learning: Play-based learning means that children spend the majority of their day engaged in self-guided, self-chosen, intrinsically motivated, process-based play. It happens in environments carefully prepared to spark curiosity and discovery.

Understanding Child-Led Learning: Child-led learning, on the other hand, signifies an environment where the day, time, and learning are not controlled by adults. Instead, each child and the community collectively dictate the direction of their education.

The Relationship Between Play-Based and Child-Led Learning: The hosts highlight that it's challenging to have one without the other. True play-based learning naturally evolves into child-led learning because play inherently puts children in charge of their activities and choices.

The Role of Control: Both hosts candidly discuss their own struggles with the need for control and how it affects their work with children. They emphasize the importance of self-reflection to address these control tendencies, not just before starting but throughout their careers. 2w

Ongoing Journey: Concluding on a thoughtful note, Kristen and Samuel emphasize that relinquishing control is an ongoing process, both for them as adults and for the children they nurture. They encourage listeners to embark on this journey with them and set an example for the next generation. Kristen recommends the book Don’t Get So Upset!: Help Young Children Manage Their Feelings by Understanding Your Own by Tamar Jacobson to help adults on this journey.

Closing Thoughts:

If you've ever grappled with the balance between structure and freedom in early childhood education or if you're keen on understanding how your own past shapes your interactions with children, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we navigate the intricacies of play-based and child-led learning, and the ways they depend on one another.

Find Kristen: - kristenrbpeterson.com - @kristen.rb.peterson Find Samuel: - honoringchildhood.org - @honoringchildhood

...more