Play Based Learning
Creative Kids in Isolation-Play Matters
After 7 weeks in isolation, many of us are now in a semblance of routine. It is highly evident that parents are doing their best to ensure school work is done, meals are prepared, children are being entertained and cared for, whilst trying hard to deal with challenges and complete their own work pertaining to their job.
It is now time to stand back and look at what is important, and that is 'play'. We are all familiar with the creative genius Albert Einstein. Two of his famous quotes are:
"Imagination is more important than knowledge"
"Children are like little scientists working out big ideas".
No matter who we are or how old we are, play has the capacity to unleash our creativity and imagination. During this time in isolation, the possibilities are endless!
Why play?
Children's play is like fireworks going off in their brain, helping them to develop in all sorts of ways. Right now, play in particular is really important as a way to make sense and cope with change. Most of all, play is a way of relieving stress, so physically moving around, using emotions and being engaged in sensory activities, are helping to calm children down and process what's happening.
How to Play
Play does not have to be elaborate, extreme or highly organised. It can be as simple as getting outside and using sticks & leaves, getting into the recycling and making things out of boxes, cups, paper and cardboard. Tape and scissors can be added to create an abundance of things. Now is the time for low budget every day materials to make a come back! Including music to process what's happening is also a bonus. It can unleash an abundance of creativity and assist us with calming our emotions and deal with stress.
Children have the capacity to put their imagination and creativity into full use through play. There are so many wonderful examples of children unleashing their creativity through play that can be viewed via different platforms in social media. These examples include, children creating a shelter big enough for themselves, or an incredible maze or race track down their hallway. They might even make an obstacle course in and around furniture in a room.
If there is a challenge involved, it will keep children engaged and will encourage them to problem solve through trial and error. Another popular example at the moment is recreating Art online. Through play, the world is your oyster!
Children learn through repetition. The good thing about learning is we learn through failure. So we try something and it fails, we try again, and it fails and we keep trying again until finally we get it. That sense of accomplishment is so much greater than if we get it the first time.
The experts say children are wired for imagination and play, so don't stress about you or them coming up with the ideas. Let your children lead the play. |In fact, we as adults need to take a breath and a leaf from the book of our children. Embrace your inner child and enjoy the playfulness as adults.
If you can, take this time in lock down to find your inner child and engage in play with your children. You will be amazed with how great you will feel as the 'happy' endorphins within you are released!
So we encourage you to turn this negative time into a positive, by unleashing the play in you! We would love to put out the challenge and see examples of play in our St Raphael community. We invite students to share videos or photos, and look forward to seeing ways you and your children are engaging in play at home.
