What, How and Why - Play-Based Learning
Play-Based Learning
Our final ‘What, How and Why’ blog from our incredible admin assistant Mel. With Mel’s qualifications and experience as a Baby Sensory class leader, her focus is always on developmentally appropriate, play-based learning. No matter what the age of your child, play-based learning is incredibly effective. Have a look over Mel’s ideas below and see if they could be adapted to suit the age, level, interests and needs of your child.
There’s so much educational value in play! Structured and organised play is fantastic but equally, letting them play independently without guidance is just as valuable. So, let them play! Anything from building dens, playing with Lego and playing ‘the floor is lava’ to a simple game of hide and seek is all marvellous for their development. Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous joining in is so much fun, so go and hide in that place that you’ve always wanted to! What do you have to lose!
Home Economics
What - home economics!
How - teach your child to make their favourite meal and dessert. The learning here is limitless! You could simply teach them to cook the meal with a focus on reading instructions for English and weighing and measuring for maths. Or you could take it further and turn your dining room into a restaurant for the night, creating menus and recipes for English and focusing on meal costs and money for maths. It’s going to get messy and possibly go wrong but embrace the learning together and create some positive food memories for all.
Why - cooking is sneaky, you can squeeze in some maths – weighing/measuring, science through reactions and changing of food like yeast in proving bread. Reading those recipes will tick the English box and mixing will improve that all important hand-eye co-ordination.
Slime
What – slime making
How – We used this cornflour slime recipe and it was a massive hit! Top tip: use a wipe down friendly surface (my sofa is still not happy with this activity).
Why – it’s fun! Also it teaches them about textures whilst being a great stress reliever.
Lego Matching Creations
What - barrier game with Lego
How - sit back to back with your little one, making sure you both have the same number and style of Lego bricks. Giving instructions to your little one, see if you can both make the same creation without peeking. Then, switch over, and see if your little one can give instructions to you.
Why - this works on speaking and listening skills and following instructions. See if you can increase the number of instructions to follow in one turn.
Play, play, play and then play some more! The learning opportunities from play, including unstructured free play are endless! If you have any questions about how to adapt these ideas for your child, feel free to leave a comment below and we will get back to you ASAP.