Marialuisa Dubla’s Post

Growing up we have lost the essence of "play" in our lives. Play is not only about playing games or adopting a sport, it's about engaging in experiences that allow us to have fun, explore, and remain aware of our surroundings. Shouldn't that be the essence of how we lead our lives? Today marks the first-ever "International Day of Play". As my friend Gomathi sangameshwaran pointed out, it is ironic how we needed this day to understand the importance of play especially in children's lives. During my visits to various schools across different states, I've observed many adopting "toy-based pedagogy" or "play-based learning," particularly in pre-primary classrooms. However, this often gets confined to an "activity period" or an "activity day." For the most part of the day children are forced to rote learn through set textbooks and practice writing the same things multiple times. But play is not just a break from learning; it is a crucial component of learning itself. It helps children connect with their surroundings and is fundamental to their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development. Let this day mark a celebration and a commitment—a commitment to integrate play into the lives of children and ourselves throughout the year. By doing so, we honor the true essence of learning and living. #internationaldayofplay #unitednations #schooleducation #earlychildhoodcareandeducation #classroomteaching #playbasedlearning. #playbasedpedagogy

Learning through play has been a fundamental part of childhood for centuries, and it remains essential today. Young children naturally engage in play to explore, discover, and make sense of the world around them. But why should play be limited to the early years? Incorporating fun into our learning processes fosters critical and creative thinking, enhancing problem-solving skills and innovation. Have we forgotten how to play as adults? It’s time to rekindle that spirit of curiosity and exploration. #LearningThroughPlay #Creativity #Innovation #FunInLearning #LifelongLearning

🌟 **Unlocking the Power of Active Play in Early Childhood Education** 🌟 As early childhood educators, we are constantly seeking effective ways to engage our students and support their development. One approach that has consistently proven to be transformative is integrating **active play** into our teaching practices. 🔍 **Why Active Play Matters:** Active play is far more than just a break from structured learning; it is a fundamental aspect of children’s holistic development. Research shows that incorporating movement into daily routines supports not only physical health but also enhances social skills, emotional regulation, and cognitive growth (Pellegrini & Smith, 1998; Diamond, 2009). Here are some key insights from my experience in integrating active play into the classroom: 1. Balancing Movement with Learning:   By designing activities that blend physical movement with educational objectives, we can reinforce learning concepts in an engaging way. For example, using games like "Simon Says" to teach body parts or incorporating outdoor exploration into science lessons can make learning more dynamic and memorable. 2. Creating a Movement-Friendly Environment:   Utilizing simple tools like balls, hoops, and ribbons, as well as making the most of outdoor spaces, can turn your classroom into a vibrant learning environment. These elements not only make lessons more interactive but also cater to different learning styles and preferences (Ginsburg, 2007; Kuo & Faber Taylor, 2004). 3. Overcoming Challenges:   From managing time effectively to addressing space limitations and gaining support from colleagues, integrating active play requires thoughtful planning and creativity. Sharing research-based evidence and successful case studies can help build a supportive environment for active play (Cleveland & Block, 2010). In my own journey, I’ve seen firsthand how active play can transform classroom dynamics and enhance student engagement. It’s not just about letting kids have fun; it’s about using play as a powerful educational tool that supports their overall development. 👩🏫 Let’s Embrace Active Play: I encourage fellow educators to explore and integrate active play into your teaching practices. The benefits are profound and multifaceted, from improved physical health to enhanced social skills and emotional well-being. Are you incorporating active play into your classroom? I’d love to hear your experiences and any tips you have for making movement an integral part of learning! #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ActivePlay #ChildDevelopment #TeachingStrategies #Education #HolisticDevelopment #PlayBasedLearning

Exploring Open Play Areas! 🌟 Our open play areas, including the sand pit, are designed to be more than just spaces for fun. They are essential for young learners as they promote sensory exploration, fine motor skill development, and collaborative play. These areas encourage creativity and imagination, allowing children to build, dig, and interact with natural materials, which enhances their problem-solving abilities and social skills. The open play areas provide a safe environment where children can freely engage in imaginative play, learn to cooperate with peers, and develop physical and cognitive skills through active exploration. These experiences are integral to our holistic approach to early childhood education, where play is not only fun but also a powerful tool for growth and learning. Curious about how our open play areas contribute to your child's development? Discover more about our innovative approach today! #EkyaAdmissions #OpenPlayAreas #SensoryExploration #EarlyLearning #CreativePlay #YoungLearners

Introducing our Power of Play series 🌟 One by one, we’ll be highlighting all of the brain and body boosting benefits of play. Getting to the heart of why councils, educators, parents and communities are united in their belief about the value of playgrounds in our schools and parks. First up, we’re looking at why play is so crucial for brain development. Research shows that active play and play-based learning stimulates children’s cognitive growth. In fact, a recent study by the University of Western Australia found that children who have ample opportunities for unstructured, imaginative play tend to perform better academically, as these early experiences lay the foundations for advanced cognitive functions. These children enter school with an enhanced memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. And, as they progress through their education, these skills translate into higher academic achievement and a greater capacity for critical thinking and innovation. That’s powerful stuff! Encouraging more playtime is one of the easiest things we can do to boost brain power and nurture young minds. #PowerOfPlay #PlayBenefits #CognitiveDevelopment #PlaygroundBuilder #PlaygroundEquipment #PlaygroundCentre #FunIsForLife

Play Makes a Better World - UN Day of Play. Today marks the first ever International Day of Play instituted by the United Nations General Assembly to safeguard children's fundamental right to play, following a successful campaign by Save the Children, the LEGO Group and the LEGO Foundation and other partners, to recognise play as a critical developmental activity for children. According to the United Nations, this day "creates a unifying moment at global, national and local levels to #elevate the importance of #Play. As practioner and an #advocate for #learning through play, I am in a flutter by this news. The observance of this day will open calls for policies, trainings, workshops and funding to get play integrated into education and community setting worldwide. Permit me to highlight a few of the benefits of play on children. 🎈 One of the most significant benefits of play is that is allows learners of all ages to explore their feelings and emotions as they create different scenarios and expirement new behaviours as they act them out. This is especially helpful for children struggling with emotional difficulties or those who have experienced traumatic events. 🎈 As learners play, they develop social skills such as sharing and taking turns, active listening, good communication, resolving conflicts and developing strong social connections. 🎈 Learners gain high cognitive abilities that makes them think outside the box, innovate, invent and gain deeper understanding of the world. 🎈 Learners develop a joy for learning which they carry with them into adulthood. As Maria Montessori said, "play is the work of the child" and if we want our learners to develop soft skills and achieve academic success as well as thrive in the workplace when they grow up, then we must inculcate play in our teaching and learning. This is our "why" at Kinder Bluum (World of Play and Adventure) Dear #parents, guardians and #educators, let us all pledge to create safe spaces for children to play to unearth their full potential and thrive. Happy UN International Day of Play! #playisessential #UNPlayDay2024 #playisasuperpower #experentiallearning #advocate

What is the importance of play? Play is not just a form of entertainment; it is a critical aspect of child development. It fosters creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills. By engaging in play, children learn to navigate social interactions, develop empathy, and enhance their communication abilities. Play also promotes physical activity, aiding in the development of gross and fine motor skills. We at Educhange support learning through play #curriculumthroughcocurricular #bridgethegap #playbasedlearning #inclusivelearning #bookclubsforchildren #academic #educhangefoundation #learnbetter

In the early years, freedom for creativity and free play is essential for a child's development. Unstructured play allows them to explore, imagine, and create without limits, fostering cognitive and emotional growth. When children are given the space to invent their own games, stories, and solutions, they learn problem-solving, social skills, and independence. Creativity blooms when children can use their imagination freely, turning ordinary objects into extraordinary adventures. Encouraging free play in a nurturing environment helps children build confidence and curiosity, setting the foundation for lifelong learning and adaptability. In this way, play becomes the most powerful tool for growth K'sirs International School.

Play is more than just fun for children; it’s their natural way of learning. Through play, children explore the world around them, develop critical thinking, and build social skills. Whether it's through imaginative role-play, physical activities, or interactive games, play offers children opportunities to practice problem-solving, communication, and creativity. Play helps children learn how to collaborate, negotiate, and navigate relationships with others. It supports emotional growth by providing a safe space for them to express feelings and test boundaries. Additionally, when children engage in play, they strengthen motor skills, spatial awareness, and cognitive abilities like memory and attention. In essence, play isn’t separate from learning – it *is* learning. Children absorb concepts, experiment with ideas, and make sense of their experiences through play. It’s how they understand the world and prepare for the challenges they’ll face as they grow. Encouraging play is not only important for childhood development but also for building the foundation for lifelong learning. #PlayToLearn #speechinc #ChildDevelopment #LearningThroughPlay #EarlyChildhoodEducation #KidsAtPlay #PlayBasedLearning #CreativeLearning #HolisticDevelopment #ChildhoodMatters #PlayIsLearning

2 hours ago In a recent Amplify! article, ECT and CELA Early Education Specialist Meg Anastasi wrote about the importance of incorporating movement into early childhood programs to address the needs of children during group times. She notes that educators often feel pressured to engage in structured teaching, requiring children to sit still for extended periods. She suggests reflecting on current routines to ensure they include regular movement breaks or outdoor time, as long indoor periods can hinder children's gross motor development. To support children who crave movement, Meg recommends incorporating movement-based transitions between routine tasks, such as circle games, parachute games, or hopping like a kangaroo to retrieve their bags. These simple adaptations can help children succeed, especially when anticipating a sit-down activity. She shared suggested the following reflective questions: -Do our group times allow for movement? If not, are these group times developmentally appropriate? -What is the goal for this cohort of learners? Is there a movement-based way I could support them to reach this goal? -Does this learning environment allow for adequate moment? Why/why not? What could I change to support this? -Am I prioritising one learning domain over the others? #preschool #daycare #ozearlyed