play based learning in ec classrooms (lea 2013)
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PLAY-BASED LEARNING:LEARNING AROUND THE CLASSROOM
Drew D. GerdesEarly Childhood DirectorMessiah Lutheran SchoolWeldon Spring, Missouri
LEA ConvocationMilwaukee, Wisconsin
October 2013
Think Back To Your Childhood…
What were some of your favorite play memories?
Was playing at home the same as playing at school?
Who did you play with?
What did you play with?
Definition Time:
On the card provided, write down YOUR OWN definition of what you
believe PLAY means.
Keep the card handy – we’ll look at it later!
Take A Moment…
PLAY!
Even adults need to play!
While you play – what are some things adults do to
“play” or “play with”?
Why Do You “Play” As An Adult?
Fun and entertaining Breath of fresh air!
Removes ourselves, even for just a bit, from the busyness of everyday life.
Restores our soul! Makes life seem innocent.
Any other thoughts of ideas?
PLAY!!!
THEN NOW
Unfortunately…
THEN NOW
Play was about discovery
Socialization Learning
Imagination Mind-expansion
Time management Self-regulation
Entertainment Supervision
Fast, Fun, Easy Money Quiet
Loud – (often what I call inappropriate play
) Media-based
Technology-based
The Truth Is…
As educators, we MUST be advocates for real, true, meaningful play.
Parents may not know what this type of play is – how can we help them learn?
We need to help children learn what this play is and how to execute it.
Children of today play differently than children of yesterday.
Play = Developmentally Appropriate Research!
All Learned Through Play!
A Brief Discussion…
What is something that you, AS AN
ADULT, have learned by actively doing?
Briefly discuss with those around you.
Sharing and thoughts…
Play Is…
Actually, there is no one definition of play,
but rather a set of characteristics.
What did you define play as?
Share with neighbors!
Play Characteristics
Pleasurable
Play is an enjoyable and pleasurable
activity.Play sometimes
includes frustrations, challenges and fears;however enjoyment is
a key feature.
Symbolic
Play is often pretend, it has a ‘what if?’
quality.
Play has meaning to the player that is
often not evident to the educator.
Play Characteristics
Active
Play requires action, either physical, verbal
or mental engagement with materials, people,
ideas or the environment.
Voluntary
Play is freely chosen.
However, players can also be invited or prompted to play.
Play Characteristics
Process oriented
Play is a means unto itself and players may
not have an end or goal in sight.
Self motivating
play is considered its own reward to the
player.“I did it! Come see!”
Environment
As educators and caregivers, we provide the best possible environment in which
children learn.
Think about the grocery store… Think about your home…
Children in our care need to learn specific areas and their purposes, too!
But…The Best Environment Is…
A natural one!BSO
Bright, Shiny Object
It’s bound to catch a child’s attention!
And it should!
The Classroom
No matter what ages we work with, there need to be specific areas that are designed for
specific purposes. This helps young minds learn about purpose and organization.
“This is the right way we…” “Here is how we…” “Watch how this…”
“Look at the way the…”
REMEMBER THESE PHRASES FOR LATER!!
Teachers Set The Stage…
The classroom environment is SO CRUCIAL for appropriate learning in an early
childhood classroom.
Classrooms set to be set up and managed so that teachers can “meander” about,
observing, asking, talking, directing, comforting, etc.
Teachers also model play!!!
Classroom Learning Centers
Sensory Area
Technology Area
Block Area
Puzzle Area
Dramatic Play Area
Sink Area
Reading Area
Writing Center
Art Center/Easel
Manipulative Area
Science Area
Bathroom
The Classroom
Much thought and time must be spent with setting up a developmentally appropriate,
play-based classroom.
Yes, it must look nice, but the “cuteness” factor wears off quickly.
Children don’t care about cute – they are care about use!
Real, True, Meaningful Play Is…
Hard Work!Time-consuming!
Tiring!Dirty!Fun!
Adventurous!
THE RIGHT THING TO DO!!!
Let’s Take A Look!
We’ll take a tour of any typical early childhood classroom.
What should we see in these Learning Centers?
What should be taught/learned in each Learning Center?
What can we do with/add to each Learning Center?
What Do Parents Know?
Again, do parents really know what types of play happens in our classrooms and early
childhood centers?
How can you help parents understand the real meaning and purpose of play?
How can you share information with prospective families?
Sensory Area
Sensory TableContents vary
Exercise imaginationConcepts of size,
shape, volume, etc.Use of tools
Warm, cool, dry, wet, heavy, lightSocial skills
Sharing with others
Technology Area
Be careful here!Children still need to physically manipulate
toys!Learning for tomorrow
Let them become familiar with everyday technological gadgets
Use as a tool to reinforce
Limit use as apporpriate
Block Area
Concepts of shape, size, location
Create and repeat patterns
Mathematical reasoningImagination
Express ideasCooperation
Problem-solvingOrderNature
Puzzle Area
Shape, position, fine motor development
Mathematical reasoningPositionReadingOrder
RoutinePurpose
Social skills
Dramatic Play
Social skillsSocial-living skills
ResiliencyLife-skills
Community knowledge
Order and purposeProblem-solving
ImaginationVocabulary!
Jesus Time Center
Yes! Really!
Jesus is the focus of our day. This
classroom center may be one of the only
ways a child can learn more about Jesus!
Touch – Learn – See – Do!
Bible Story Book ShelfToys
Cuddling Toys
Sink
HealthOrder
PurposeSocial skills
PatienceCleaning
Cause/EffectEngineering
Science skills
Reading Area
“Read” books and other materials
Develop and personal interest in reading
Use picture clues to predict stories and
meaningAlphabet knowledge
Curricular topicsSocial experiences
Writing Center Area
Fine Motor developmentSocial skills
Hand-eye coordinationCreativity
Alphabet knowledgeOrganization skills
Correlation between speech and writing
Self-expressionRepresentation
Art Area
Self expressionUse of materials in
different waysExperiment with color,
texture, shapeCommunication and
social skillsProblem-solving
Fine-motor developmentSense of
accomplishment and self-worth
Art Easel
According to me…
An easel must be available for all
children to use all day!
Motor developmentPosture
Extended thinking levels
Manipulative Area (Toys)
Grouping, sorting, matching – math skillsVisual discriminationProblem solving skills
EnjoymentEngineeringSocial skills
SharingPurpose
Creativity
Science Area
Exploration and experimentation
Thinking outside the box!!!
Problem solvingDiscovery and sharing
NatureMove from concrete to
abstract thinkingHigh-level thinking skills
Order
Bathroom
Just like the sink, it’s a Learning Area!
PatienceTurn-takingOur bodies
Health and SafetyLogic and Order
RoutinePurpose
Pre-reading skills
What Else?
What other Learning Centers and Areas might you have in your classroom?
What is the purpose of these special spaces?
Steal from one another!!!
Resource
Designs for Living and Learning
Deb Curtis and Margie Carter
Redleaf Press2003
Resource
Big Body Play: Why boisterous, vigorous,
and very physical play is essential to
children’s development and
learning
Frances M. Carlson
NAEYC Publication2011
Resource
Facebook!!!!
www.facebook.com/
Education EaseTeach PreschoolBrick by Brick
Creative Connections for Kids
Kreative Resources
Twitter!!!!
Just search for what you are looking for!
Follow those you like!
Amazing Professional Development opportunity!
Real, True, Meaningful Play…
Discussions…
Feel Free To Contact Me!
Drew D. GerdesEarly Childhood DirectorMessiah Lutheran School
Weldon Spring, MO
www.facebook.com/educationeaseFollow me on Twitter @ddgerdes