Play is Deep Learning

The following article is from  *ExchangeEveryDay*    

*October 19, 2012*

*I Think I Can... I Think I Can... I Think I Can.

-The Little Engine that Could*

"Watch children at play and you might suddenly realize that they are not

just frivolously wasting time or mucking about," notes Paul Bailey in his

book, "Think of an Elephant" (London: Watkins Publishing, 2007).

"Child's play is deep learning: a self-directed state of deep "connectedness"

and personal engagement.  It is also an enthusiastic and absorbing state of

relaxed attention — healthy qualities often missing from adult life.  Play

is a creative learning exchange between mind, body, and circumstance into

one integrated and healthy whole.  Awash with symbols and mental imagery,

children at play are learning in a way that can be wildly creative,

insightful, and visionary....

"Research shows that the more animals play, the bigger their brains grow.

Moreover, brain imaging techniques show that social play seems to rewire

our brain, increasing the activity of connections between our brain cells.

Play also helps develop our logical reasoning, our ability to learn, and

our behavioral flexibility."

These children are building and playing with blocks. As you can see some are working together while our little ones watch and learn how to build.  The student below even created individual rooms, adding people and pretending what goes into each room (ex. a bathroom and bedroom, etc.) This is great modeling for the younger children with advance skills in building and pretending!

As stated above, "play" time is actually critical learning time. Look below to see just some of the Nevada Preschool Standards that are addressed while doing an activity like block building. 

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL

4.PK.1c Respect rights and belongings of others ****Take note above at the little one, who even though tempted to knock the blocks over, respected the work of the older student! Wow! This takes restraint :)

1.PK.1a Make independent choices from diverse interest centers or activities.

1.PK.1b Select materials to use for individual expression.

1.PK.2b Acknowledge actions and accomplishments verbally and non verbally.

1.PK.2a Express ideas for activities; initiate and participate in discussions with teachers or peers.

5.PK.1a Play independently.

5.PK.1b Play in pairs and small groups.

5.PK.1c Engage in dramatic play.

5.PK.1d Initiate play, or enter into play with a group of children already playing.

5.PK.2a Participate in cooperative groups to complete a task.

5.PK.2b Take turns with teacher support.

5.PK.2c Share some of the time.

CREATIVE EXPRESSION

2.PK.1 Select progressively more challenging tasks.

2.PK.2b Express satisfaction when accomplishing a task and achieving a goal.

2.PK.3 Demonstrate persistence by trying again when faced with challenges.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

6.PK.1 Demonstrate skills in eye-hand coordination

SO...next time your little one wants to "play", think of all the learning that is about to take place and just have fun!