Benefits of Play-Based Learning

Do you sometimes find yourself looking back on days when you were scolded for “wasting” your precious time by playing games? Well, those days are long gone now!

In today’s world, playtime has become an essential tool for guiding new-age learners. So why hang back in the days long gone when the present has so much to offer? It is time we talk about how rewarding playtime can be, and how it can be integrated into the learning process to gain maximum benefits. Even if we have to be sneaky about it and deal with kids who are no longer "little," we can still make it happen! Are you ready to learn more about the benefits of play-based learning? Let's dive in!

Also Read | Importance of Life Skills in Preparing for a Better Future

Determining a Play-Based Learning Approach

Play is the magic key that unlocks a world of creativity and imagination for kids. It is this world of boundless imaginative capabilities that unlocks growth and development in a manner that is the most beneficial for young minds.

Learning through play thus makes education a fun experience for children. Learning becomes a thrilling journey filled with laughter and games. It becomes a journey wherein the students learn, explore, discover and create while also having fun. This journey is aided by a guide- a dedicated teacher who helps each child navigate this exciting adventure.

As the teacher serves as a guide, the child can now take control of how and what they learn. To help the students build on the knowledge they already possess, the instructor dives into the fun learning adventure with the students, into activities that spark curiosity and unleash creativity.

Components of Play-based Learning 

The following components are included in play-based learning:

• Self-chosen: A youngster chooses to play, how they will play, and how long they will play. An adult may commence play by inviting or suggesting it, but the child controls the rest.
• Joyful: Play is joyful for the child. This emotional factor is critical. There may be some difficulties or conflicts during play, but it is generally enjoyable.
• Unstructured: During play, a youngster has plenty of opportunities to explore and discover. They are guided by their own interests rather than by any predefined norms or strategies.
• Process-oriented: There is no end goal or learning objective. Instead, it is the game’s process that is significant.
• Imaginative: Play frequently involves imagination,’make believe’, or ‘playing pretend’.

The Importance of Active Learning

Active learning entails several uses of the brain and thus is a crucial part of development. Play-based learning makes the inculcation of active learning easier, helping children explore the world via play and develop an understanding of the social and natural settings around them.

Active learning involves the development of gross and fine motor skills. These crucial physical skills can be imbibed through play as games require the active involvement of movements such as coordinating hand-eye movement and other essential kinds of physical movement.

The use of technology is quite helpful in this regard. Using technology, students get the opportunity to get a better understanding of the skills required to navigate through the world. Technology-aided learning is also more engaging and entertaining, thus helping to draw the attention of the students.

Play-Based Learning vs. Textbook Learning

The educational system has always been hesitant to adapt. On the one hand, delayed change is a positive thing since it helps avoid the hazards of implementing education fads before they’ve been well evaluated and it results in a system that is slow to adjust to the fast-changing technological world. The only way to enhance that response rate is to dramatically alter the systematic approach to curriculum, which is no easy undertaking.

One of the primary reasons why change takes so long? The textbooks themselves. When a textbook is released, it contains all of the latest material, instructional methods, and theories as of the time the textbook was sent to print, which is often at least a year before it gets in schools. Because textbooks are designed to be used for years, there is a significant delay before curricula can be modified and content updated.

Play-based learning is designed from the start to be adaptive. During the production process, the game is tested and changed to be a more effective learning tool. The game can be updated to reflect new information in the field or changes in educational methodologies. After the game is out, it can be updated with new information, strategies, and other features. Student-monitoring analytic tools in games allow teachers to observe students so that the game can be changed in future versions.

Recognizing the Benefits of Play

Children’s thinking can be pushed during play when they participate in both real-world and made-up activities.

Play encourages, stimulates, and supports children’s development of skills, concepts, language acquisition, communication skills, and concentration. Children learn best through first-hand experiences. Children use all of their senses while playing, express their thoughts and feelings, explore their surroundings, and make connections between what they already know and new information, abilities, and attitudes.

When should Play-Based Learning Begin?

While play-based learning for young children should be child-led and open-ended, adult-led play has several advantages when it comes to preparing ahead and focusing on particular learning objectives. The beauty of play-based learning is that it may be utilized with children of any age, beginning when a kid expresses an interest in play, particularly independent or imaginative play.

Toddlers as young as 15 months can learn as much as youngsters as old as fifteen years! In reality, when it comes to play-based learning and activities for children, there are fewer hurdles to learning as compared to traditional learning strategies.

Sheoran International School: Where Learning Meets Fun

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Sheoran International School, founded under the aegis of the Jyoti Educational Society, stands as a fine example of educational innovation. The school fosters an environment where learning is not just a task but a joyful journey of exploration. 

Embracing the unconventional approach of “Play, Learn, Innovate, and Experience”, Sheoran International School strives to redefine education by prioritizing student engagement, curiosity, and personal growth. The educators here believe in creating a stress-free environment where students feel empowered to ask questions, make mistakes, and embark on a journey of self-discovery. 

The play-based learning strategies here play-based pedagogies foster independence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in students. Students are enabled to grasp fundamental concepts through hands-on activities and practical experiences. Through quality education, Sheoran aims to develop students into sensitive individuals with strong values, poised to make a positive impact on the world.

Explore Sheoran International School to learn more about the wondrous impact of play-based learning strategies!