On the 28th of May, the world will be celebrating World Play Day with the theme “Play towards sustainability”. Originally proposed by Dr Freda Kim at the eighth International Toy Library Conference in 1999, this day embraces the power of play in fostering a more sustainable future. In addition to this, it is also International Toy Librarian Day.
Education and Play – Is it similar or not?
Play is education. That’s right, play is not a separate activity apart from learning. Piaget, a world-renowned psychologist and theorist on childhood cognitive development, was once quoted as saying: “What is the goal of education? Are we forming children that are only capable of learning what is already known? Or should we try developing creative and innovative minds, capable of discovery from the preschool age on, throughout life?
Play is a child’s foundation of learning. It is their language, means of expression and their way of communicating with the world. Children learn or are empowered through play, while they are using all their senses and developing them in a natural way.
How do children learn?
Children learn in three (3) phases:
- CONCRETE: their senses
- SEMI – CONCRETE: pictures and dots
- ABSTRACT: numbers and words
That’s because learning encompasses so much more than memorising and regurgitating facts, and demonstrating high test scores.
True learning takes place when we:
- Empower young minds to become active participants in their own learning and thinking processes. (critical thinking – the process is as important as the product, e.g. completing a puzzle, etc).
- Instil in them a lifelong LOVE for learning.
- Enable them to inhabit the world as co-creative participants in its transformation and NOT mere automatons who are able to recite facts or carry out rote skills or behaviours.
Our children deserve the best we can give them. Together, let’s provide our children with the best opportunities for growth and unleash their limitless potential.
What is the best?
The best we can give our children is a REAL education, where they emerge as confident learners, with the cognitive, social, and emotional skills that will make them active participants in a future world that works for a diverse and changing population.
Have we made any compromises, YES / NO? Let’s rekindle what we are busy losing.
Think of traditional games, such as making things with scrap, doing chores (who can fold the socks quickest, packing the cutlery – helps with sorting) help preparing meals (creates conversation), etc.
By embracing play as an integral part of learning, we enable children to explore, discover, and develop essential skills in a joyful and natural way. It is through play that young minds become active participants in their own learning, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong love for knowledge.
Contact TEEC to learn more about our various programmes and initiatives and how we can help provide children with a nurturing environment where their potential can flourish. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to give your child the best start in life. Join us on this extraordinary educational journey together!
“The power of education extends beyond the development of skills we need for economic success.” – Nelson Mandela