How a School Made Play Central to Learning

Summary

This transcript showcases how a school has shifted towards a play-based learning approach post-pandemic. Teachers highlight the benefits of structured, child-led play in developing creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills. Play is now integrated into the curriculum, offering hands-on learning experiences that deepen students' understanding and engagement. The approach also fosters social skills, emotional wellbeing, and strengthens bonds among students, including newcomers from diverse backgrounds. The transition is presented as a carefully planned, evolving journey that enhances both academic learning and personal growth for children.

Takeaways

• 😀 The school has shifted to a more play-based, child-led learning approach post-pandemic.
• 😀 Play is now scheduled into the weekly timetable, with at least three play experiences planned for each class.
• 😀 Play-based learning helps engage students and motivates them, fostering a more dynamic learning environment.
• 😀 The integration of play enables children to apply classroom learning in hands-on, creative ways, such as through building and problem-solving activities.
• 😀 Teachers now observe students using real-world skills like literacy, numeracy, and teamwork during play, providing deeper insights into their development.
• 😀 Key skills like creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication are developed through free play, which often cannot be taught directly by teachers.
• 😀 Play encourages children to explore independently and resolve conflicts on their own, fostering social and emotional growth.
• 😀 Teachers and staff were gradually introduced to play-based methods, piloting different approaches to avoid overwhelming them.
• 😀 The shift to a play-based approach has been especially beneficial for new students, such as Ukrainian children, helping them bond and develop communication skills.
• 😀 The play-based model has led to significant improvements in student engagement, wellbeing, and overall social skills, as students interact respectfully and listen to each other.

Q & A

How has the approach to play-based learning changed in the school after the pandemic?

After the pandemic, the school shifted from a very structured, activity-based model to a more flexible, play-based approach. Play is now an integral part of the curriculum, scheduled into timetables and designed to promote deeper engagement and child-led learning.

What are the key benefits of play-based learning mentioned in the transcript?

Play-based learning offers several benefits, including enhanced creativity, problem-solving skills, teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution. It also helps children engage more deeply with content and develop important social and emotional competencies.

How does play support children's social and emotional development?

Through play, children practice communication, listening, respect for others' viewpoints, and conflict resolution. These experiences foster social bonding and improve emotional intelligence, as children learn to navigate interactions without adult intervention.

What impact has the structured play time had on teachers' planning?

The structured playtime allows teachers to plan better, knowing that play sessions are scheduled and will not be removed from the timetable. This shift helps ensure play remains a consistent part of the children's learning experience.

How do teachers view the role of play in real-world learning skills?

Teachers observe that play allows children to apply real-world skills like literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving in a context that mirrors real-life situations. Play helps children see how these skills can be used beyond the classroom.

What challenges were faced when integrating play into the curriculum?

Integrating play into the curriculum required careful planning and gradual implementation. Teachers piloted various play experiences and observed their effectiveness before making them a permanent part of the curriculum, to avoid overwhelming the staff with too many changes at once.

Why is it important for teachers to step back during play-based learning sessions?

By stepping back, teachers give children the freedom to take control of their learning, explore independently, and resolve conflicts on their own. This autonomy supports the development of important life skills such as problem-solving and teamwork.

What role does play have in helping children bond, particularly with new students?

Play has been instrumental in helping children bond, especially with the arrival of new students, such as those from Ukraine. It creates a shared experience that fosters communication, respect, and mutual understanding among diverse groups of children.

How do teachers assess the effectiveness of the play-based approach?

Teachers assess the effectiveness of play-based learning by observing the children's engagement, problem-solving, and social interactions. Positive outcomes, such as improved communication skills and deeper learning, have validated the approach and encouraged wider adoption across the school.

What are the specific skills that children develop through play, according to the transcript?

Children develop creativity, problem-solving skills, teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution through play. These skills are crucial for their overall development and are often best nurtured in a playful, exploratory environment.