In the recent past, tremendous shifts have taken place in the education industry, especially in young children’s learning. Conventional ways that once held sway in classrooms are no longer dominant today but are slowly giving way to more innovative ones. Among such developments is how play-based learning has become widespread as a workable and entertaining learning technique. Welcome to this change at Spring Kids Early Learning Centre as we help grow young minds through new ways of teaching.
Why are traditional teaching methods evolving, and why is play-based learning so essential? In this blog, you will explore the evolution of teaching methods and how it’s shaping tomorrow’s generation.
The Shift from Traditional to Modern Methods of Teaching
Traditional learning methods stress fixed lessons, memorisation, and direct teaching from the teacher to the child. This method normally involves a teacher-centred system, where children are passive receivers. While this method has been effective in some instances, heightened awareness of its failings, especially in infancy and toddler schooling, has been noticed.
The Rise of Play-Based Learning
Play-based learning combines play and learning. It allows children to explore, investigate, and learn in an environment where they feel safe and encouraged to be themselves. Rather than being taught in a formal classroom with a rigid timetable, children engage in activities that encourage problem-solving, social interaction, and creative expression. This isn’t playing for the fun of it—it’s learning through doing.
At Spring Kids Early Learning Centre, we appreciate the power of play-based learning and use this approach to motivate children to learn by being actively involved. From building blocks and painting to nature walks, children are gaining vital skills in a play environment.
Play-Based Education Benefits
The benefits of play-based learning are many and proven. Some of the most relevant benefits are outlined below:
Improved Cognitive Development: When children play, they engage in activities that compel their brains to think, such as solving problems, making decisions, and experimenting with new options. This develops critical thinking and mental growth.
Improved Social Skills: Play often involves interaction with other children, which helps children learn valuable social skills. Through play, children learn to share, cooperate, and negotiate—skills they will use for the remainder of their lives.
Emotional Development: Learning through play gives children the opportunity to express their emotions and control their feelings. Situations like role-playing or pretend play allow children to try out different situations, which can teach them about their own and other people’s emotions.
The Hands-On Learning Approach
Hands-on learning is the foundation of play-based learning. It involves giving children room to interact with the environment and its objects. Children are not passive learners but active learners, as they try things out, manipulate them, and investigate, strengthening their understanding of ideas.
At Spring Kids Early Learning Centre, we incorporate active learning methods into our daily routines. For example, when children build a tower with blocks, they develop their sense of balance, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills. When children indulge in sensory play with items like sand, water, and clay to tap into their creative potential, they learn fine motor skills.
Inquiry-Based Learning: Promoting Curiosity
Another essential component of the shift from traditional practices is inquiry-based learning. This process encourages children to ask questions, explore new ideas, and discover answers themselves. Instead of being taught facts, children are encouraged to explore topics they care about, ask questions, and learn through discovery.
Inquiry-based learning
fosters deeper understanding and curiosity. It allows children to take ownership of their learning, making it a more meaningful and personal experience. By encouraging children to question the world around them, we equip them with thinking skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives.
Active Learning Strategies
One of the greatest methods of reaching children is active learning strategies. These strategies can include discussions, hands-on field trips, and interactive lessons. The advantage of active learning is that children are not mere spectators but play an active role in the process of learning.
Conclusion
The evolution of pedagogical strategies reflects a growing awareness of the optimal methods for children to learn. By focusing on play, experiential, and inquiry learning, we are giving children the tools to gain the most important skills, such as problem-solving, communication, creativity, and critical thinking. These skills will not only prepare them for elementary school but also allow them to succeed in life.
If you are looking for a childcare centre that caters to the evolving nature of education and offers a safe and friendly atmosphere for your child, Spring Kids Early Learning Centre is the place to be. Our play-based learning approach ensures that your child receives the best possible start to life, instilling a love of learning that will last a lifetime.
