Play based Learning in our COL

Notes from Play based learning session

What ?
Attending a play based learning work shop set up by our COL to see how play is being used in classrooms as a way of engaging learners, providing them with greater agency and strengthening the links from their ECE setting to their NE classroom at school. This afternoon of sharing also sparked ideas and discussions about other ways of making play accessible and authentic for students across the whole school rather than solely focusing on the junior age group.

So What?
This hui was a good chance to connect with other teachers of similar aged children and hear their viewpoints about play as a main medium for learning. It was clear that while its been embraced and is working well for some schools/teachers others find it more difficult to ensure all children are having their educational needs met, are safe and happy in the learning environment and as teachers themselves that they are able to let go of traditional classroom practices to embrace this style of learning.

I was pleased to be able to revisit my learning from the ECE to NE course I attended last year and reflect on that all important idea that one day a child is four and the next they're five and that often this change in age brings with it a complete change in educational environment. When they are four they are ensconced in an ECE setting where play is their work and tool for learning and the next day they're in a NE classroom where they are often expected to sit for long periods on the mat and at tables with child led and child centered play reserved for break times and fun day Friday's.

Now What?

• Remember where our children have come from, their background in an ECE setting as little people who view play as their work and that this play is the basis for their learning.
• Value and look for the key competencies when reflecting on learning in a play based setting as these important indicators of social growth and development are often where we can see the job that play based learning is doing working.
• Keep talking to teachers about what play based learning looks like in their setting. Use others ideas to refine play based learning in my classroom most specifically with my Tamahere Tupu.
• Play with the children, get down there and let them lead me into their imaginary world despite my discomfort as a player!!!!!
• Don't let school bells and prefabricated time frames rob children of play opportunities. If the learners are ensconced in their own learning through play don't pack it all up because the bell rang and told you to, embrace the moment and carry on till a natural break occurs.

STP 2.3 & 4.4