Play-based learning involves child-initiated and teacher/parent-supported learning.
Play is a vehicle for children to learn and find meaning within their lives. by Psychologist, Lev Vygotsky
The most effective way a child can learn is through "playing".
There are 2 ways your child can play and learn:
Free Play
Structured Play
1) What is Free Play for babies and toddlers?
In early childhood development, "Free Play for babies and toddlers" refers to unstructured, child-directed play where children can explore, create, and interact with their environment without adult intervention or specific guidelines.
This type of play is essential for children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. During free play, children can use their imagination, problem-solving skills, and creativity, which are crucial for their overall growth and well-being. It allows them to learn how to make decisions, collaborate with others, and regulate their emotions.
Free play also helps children develop critical communication, empathy, and resilience skills. Through play, children can experiment with different roles, scenarios, and situations, which enables them to understand the world around them and develop a sense of agency.
Furthermore, free play promotes independence and self-confidence as children learn to navigate challenges and conflicts independently. In today's fast-paced world, where structured activities and screen time often dominate children's schedules, it is essential to prioritize and encourage free play in early childhood.
By allowing children the time and space to engage in unstructured play, parents and caregivers can support their holistic development and foster a lifelong love for learning and exploration.
2) What is Structured Play for babies and toddlers?
Structured play for babies and toddlers refers to intentional and organized activities designed to promote learning and development in young children.
Unlike free play, which allows children to explore and create on their own terms, structured play involves a more guided approach with specific goals.
Parents often lead these activities and may include games, puzzles, music and movement exercises, sensory play, and other interactive experiences that target different areas of a child's development, such as cognitive, physical, social, and emotional skills.
Structured play for babies typically focuses on sensory stimulation, building motor skills, and fostering early social interactions. For toddlers, structured play activities may involve more complex tasks that encourage problem-solving, language development, and imaginative play.
By engaging in structured play, children can enhance their cognitive abilities, improve their communication skills, and develop important social-emotional competencies.
Parents play a crucial role in facilitating structured play for babies and toddlers by creating a supportive environment, providing age-appropriate materials and toys, and actively participating in the play experiences.
Through structured play, young children can learn important concepts, build confidence, and establish a foundation for future learning and development.
Selected educational materials are used by the teacher/parent to teach children in their desired learning experience.
However, the child can choose and lead in what they want to learn.
For example: When you use flashcards or puzzles to teach your child, you choose the items that are based on your child's interest and talents.
Conclusion
Combining "free play" and "guided play" into your home lessons with your child is good.
"Free play" helps your child learn problem-solving skills. "Guided play" helps your child learn in a more structured way and prepare for school.
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