P is for Play. One letter and only one part of the ABCs of Teaching Preschool. Deborah of Teach Preschool has hit an amazing milestone on Facebook: 20k fans. Yes, that’s right, 20,000 fans!
I’m thrilled to be included in Teach Preschool‘s celebration! This is only one post in a collection of the “ABCs of Teaching Preschool”.
I don’t teach preschool, but I do teach my own preschooler as his mom. And one of the most important parts of our day is play, as it is in preschool, too.
P is for Play
If you haven’t noticed, hands on : as we grow is a lot about play.
Children at play. I really have no choice. Henry will have it no other way.
Play comes naturally to preschoolers.
Play is (and should be)the primary learning tool for preschoolers.
I believe that it is our job, as parents and teachers, to create these learning opportunities for our children through play.
What types of play are there? Not every preschooler will fall in love with every type of play. Henry is all about Outdoor Play, but isn’t as big on imaginative play. I try to always remember to go with what he’s is interested in and not to force it on him. (A very not happy moment for either of us.)
Here’s the way I break down the areas of play.
(Please remember I am only a parent, not a teacher, so I have no technical terms to describe these. This is just my view on play as a mom.)
Outdoor Play:
Outdoor play offers the opportunity to exercise and learn gross motor skills.
(An Outdoor Balance Beam.)
Nature Play:
Playing in nature offers the exploration of how the world works.
(Going on a Outdoor Nature Scavenger Hunt.)
Pretend or Imaginative Play:
Pretending can lead to some pretty amazing opportunities if you listen to your child as they play. Their imagination is so important for further exploration in their lives, even as adults.
(Lining up toys for a pretend garage sale.)
Play Based Learning:
Learning while playing is natural. Play-based learning I look at as an opportunity I created for my children to learn. All while they’re playing and having fun. (Not sitting at a desk, filling out worksheets.)
(Learning ABCs and 123s, along with animal sounds and movements through an ABC Mat Game.)
Exploratory Play:
Exploring with your hands, ears, noses and mouths. Sensory activities are great for little ones to learn about some of the things we really take for granted.
(Squishing the sliminess of finger paint.)
Creative Play:
Arts and crafts let your children create! This often hosts many of the other areas of play, being a wonderful outlet for kids!
(Creating a ‘real’ piece of art to hang on the wall on a hot day.)
Free Play:
Just let them play! Let the kids enjoy and create their own ways to play. You’ll be amazed.
(Just playing!)
Some famous quotes (found on The Strong) that help reiterate the meaning of play in a learning environment:
- “Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold.” — Joseph Chilton Pearce
- “Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.” — Diane Ackerman
- “Almost all creativity involves purposeful play.” — Abraham Maslow
- “Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” — Fred Rogers
- “Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” — Kay Redfield Jamison
- “Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.” — O. Fred Donaldson
What are the other ABCs of Teaching Preschool?
Check out Deborah’s Blog: Teach Preschool for the full list.
If you’re not already a fan of Teach Preschool on Facebook, I highly recommend it! Its a fantastic resource for all things preschool.
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KAREN GREEN says
Beautiful photo's! You are one 'spot on' mum!
Melissa @ The Chocolate Muffin Tree says
Love the quotes! I think you summed up play very well! Well said!
volksbloggin says
Jamie, I loved reading this post and seeing how you teach your children through play. You've sparked my creativity. Thanks!
Juliet Robertson says
Thanks for this post – I'm enjoying reading yours and everyone else's contributions.
mama roses says
I love the quotes and I could do with some pointers from you here! Just love love the outdoor balancing beams (and your so very green yard)! The picture is so well etched in my brain :)!
Ayn Colsh says
Your post on play is "spot on". And you ARE a teacher–and the most important one your child will ever have! You are giving your child one of the greatest gifts ever by helping to facilitate his play. And this quote just speaks to me: "Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn."
— O. Fred Donaldson
Thanks for sharing!
~The Bargain Babe says
Glad to have found you through the Teach Preschool blog. I love your quote from Jamison, that play is necessary!
Debbie says
Jamie. I completely concur with what the others have said…. I urge you never again to apologize for your credentials as mother. This is helpful for every reader with a love of young children. Thanks so much for sharing your loves with us.
And of course a big whooohoooooo to Deborah for her amazing milestone.
I got to add to the letter M on Music!
Scott says
No matter how you classify it or dissect it, PLAY is the way kids learn. Thanks for a great post.
LeeanneA / KMullally says
What a nicely presented post on play – love the photos!
Greg says
oops, belittle :)
Greg says
Don't beliitle yourself as a parent Jamie, you explained & expressed it perfectly.
Deborah says
What an excellent post on all the different kinds of play! Thank you for joining me today – I love the messy kind:)