As children approach the age of starting school, educators at Affinity Education run centres focus on preparing them for this significant transition. One of the most effective and enjoyable ways to build school readiness is through play. Play-based learning engages children in activities that foster cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of a formal education setting. Read on as we delve into the benefits of play-based learning and share some fun play ideas that build school readiness skills.
Benefits of Play-Based Learning
Children learn best through play. Play shapes the structural design of the brain and allows children to make meaning of their world around them as they engage with people, objects and representations. Through active exploration, play assists in strengthening brain pathways to increase learning potential later in life.
Play is self-motivating and encourages children to challenge themselves by practicing and mastering new and necessary skills in a safe and enjoyable way. Play is critical in the development of positive dispositions that leads to optimism, curiosity, creativity and perseverance that contributes to a love of lifelong learning.
Play allows children to build resilience as they build social relationships, learn to make choices and regulate their behaviour through problem solving, trial and error and negotiation. Play allows children to express themselves physically, emotionally and creatively while creating valuable childhood memories.
Here are some creative and fun ways to develop school readiness through play at home.
1. Language & Literacy Development
Storytime and role-playing: Reading stories aloud and engaging children in role-playing activities based on these stories help improve vocabulary, comprehension, and expressive language skills. Creating a “story basket” filled with props related to a favourite book encourages children to act out the story, enhancing their understanding and narrative skills.
Alphabet games: Interactive games like alphabet puzzles, letter hunts, and writing letters in sand trays make learning letters and sounds fun and engaging. Apps and games that focus on phonics and letter recognition can also be useful tools.
2. Numeracy Skills
Counting games: Activities such as counting blocks, beads, or steps during a game help children understand numbers and develop counting skills. Incorporating counting songs and rhymes into daily routines is another playful way to reinforce these skills.
Math in play: Integrate basic math concepts into play by sorting objects by size or colour, measuring ingredients during cooking, or playing simple board games that involve counting spaces or collecting tokens. These activities help children develop an intuitive understanding of math.
3. Social & Emotional Development
Pretend play: Pretend play scenarios, such as playing house, grocery store, or school, allow children to understand social roles, practice empathy, and develop communication skills. These activities also help children learn to navigate social interactions and understand different perspectives.
Group games: Games that require taking turns, following rules, and cooperating with peers, such as board games or group art projects, build social skills and emotional regulation. These experiences teach children about teamwork and patience.
4. Physical Development
Outdoor play: Physical activities like running, jumping, climbing, and playing ball games enhance gross motor skills, coordination, and physical fitness. Outdoor play also encourages social interaction and teamwork, essential skills for school settings.
Fine motor activities: Engage children in activities that develop fine motor skills, such as arts and crafts, playing with playdough, threading beads, and using tweezers to pick up small objects. These activities prepare children for writing and other school tasks that require precise hand movements.
5. Cognitive Development
Puzzles and problem-solving games: Puzzles and problem-solving activities encourage critical thinking, spatial awareness, and persistence. Completing puzzles or playing games that require strategic thinking helps children develop these important cognitive skills.
Science experiments: Simple science experiments, like mixing colours or growing plants, foster curiosity and scientific thinking. Encouraging children to ask questions and explore the answers through hands-on experiments helps build a foundation for future learning.
6. Creativity & Imagination
Art projects: Drawing, painting, and constructing with various materials stimulate creativity and allow children to express themselves. Open-ended art projects encourage children to think creatively and explore new ideas.
Music and movement: Singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments develop rhythm, coordination, and auditory skills while allowing creative expression. These activities can also be used to teach patterns and sequences, important concepts for early math skills.
7. Emotional Readiness
Mindfulness and relaxation activities: Introducing children to simple mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or guided imagery, helps them manage stress and build emotional resilience. Quiet activities like reading, puzzles, or colouring also provide opportunities for children to practice self-regulation.
Fostering a Lifetime Love of Learning Though Play
Play-based learning is a powerful approach that supports the comprehensive development of young children. By integrating play into educational programs, children can develop essential skills in a fun, engaging, and meaningful way. This approach not only prepares them for academic success but also fosters a love for learning and a foundation for lifelong development.
Affinity Education's School Readiness program is part of the Lifelong Learning Curriculum, Australia's most advanced approach to early education. It is based on the Australian Early Years Learning Framework, the approved play-based approach to early education for children before they begin primary school, and offers a rich combination of child-led learning and intentional teaching experiences.