Play is a powerful way for kids to learn and develop essential skills. Here’s how play impacts learning at school and home:
Skills learners acquire through play:
1. Problem-solving: Play helps kids think creatively and develop critical thinking skills. They learn to approach challenges from different angles and find solutions.
2. Social skills: Play with others teaches kids important social skills like communication, empathy, and conflict resolution.
3. Emotional intelligence: Play helps kids develop self-awareness, self-regulation, and emotional management.
4. Fine motor skills: Activities like puzzles, playdough, and building blocks improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
5. Language and literacy: Play encourages language development, vocabulary building, and storytelling.
6. Math and science: Play develops spatial awareness, geometry, and problem-solving skills.
7. Creativity and imagination: Play fosters creativity, imagination, and innovation.
Play at school:
1. Project-based learning: Elim schools incorporate play-based projects that integrate multiple subjects, promoting deeper learning.
2. Collaborative play: Group activities encourage teamwork, communication, and mutual respect.
3. Hands-on learning: Play-based activities make learning more engaging and interactive.
Does play affect intelligence?
Research suggests that play can positively impact cognitive development and intelligence. Play:
1. Builds cognitive reserve: Playful activities can help build cognitive reserve, which can protect against cognitive decline.
2. Develops executive function: Play helps kids develop executive function skills, including planning, working memory, and self-regulation.
3. Fosters creativity: Play encourages creative thinking, which is essential for innovation and problem-solving.
Play is a vital part of childhood learning, and its benefits extend beyond the playground.
Elim school incorporates play into school, learners develop essential skills, build cognitive reserve, and lay the foundation for future success.
Shame can feel very heavy for small kids, making them believe something is wrong with who they are.
Lessons teachers, parents and care givers learn to handle the kids well whenever this scenario arise.
1. Gentle correction: Focus on the behavior, not the child. Use kind words to redirect and teach.
2. Emotional safety: Create a safe space for children to make mistakes without fear of ridicule or shame.
3. Positive reinforcement: Encourage good behavior and effort, rather than focusing on mistakes.
4. Empathy: Teach children to understand and manage their emotions, and to consider others’ feelings.
Alternatives to “Shame on you”:
1. “That wasn’t the best choice.”
2. “Let’s try again.”
3. “I’m here to help you learn.”
4. “I can see you’re upset. Let’s talk about it.”
5. “Mistakes happen; what can we learn?”
Teaching with empathy:
1. Active listening: Hear and validate students’ feelings.
2. Non-judgmental language: Focus on actions, not character.
3. Positive relationships: Build trust and rapport with students.
4. Mistake tolerance: View mistakes as learning opportunities.
5. Emotional regulation: Model and teach emotional management.
By adopting these approaches, parents, teachers, and guardians can create a supportive environment that fosters growth, self-esteem, and resilience in children.