Learning through play and fantasy

I am so thankful that I had a 5 year old niece when I was a headstart teacher. I only have one sibling and he's nine years older than me. Walking into that classroom was a rude awakening. I wasn't prepared for what I was going to experience. I learned that preschool must be structured just like the regular classroom, however the children learn a lot through play and fantasy. They aren't just sitting there like kids in the other grades with a book in front of them learning facts. I had to shed my adult skin and participate with my students in all aspects of their education. Learning through play allowed them to emulate doctors, nurses, and construction workers. I recall asking them specifically who they were, what they were doing and why were they doing so. The discussions and demonstrations we had were amazing.

http://www.lifelearningmagazine.com/0312/NovDec03.pdf

"Play isn’t something that we, as adults, can manipulate and control. Our
role, as I have found out, is to facilitate as many opportunities for play as we can. Aside from quality tools, time to play is crucial, and that's something home educating families can give their children in abundance."


I recall the fathers of several headstart students who thought it was wrong for them to play with their children and participate in their "fantasy land." I never had one man to come put on one of the dress up outfits and and become a doctor that was going to cure a patient by the bean bags. Headstart did however hold an inservice on the importance of playing with and fantasizing with your child. A hand full of parents showed up and they learned a lot.

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/hml/ec/ec1297-e/

Play is for parents, too

You will find that playing with your children can be fun and helpful. It’s a relaxed and easy way to learn about your child’s interests, skills, and worries. It is a way of showing your child that you care, and it is one way you can contribute to your child’s total development.

To make the most of the opportunities play offers both you and your children, try these ideas:

• Join in your children’s play.
• Add fantasy and playfulness to everyday situations.
• Provide playmates for your children.
• Take your children to see people, places, and things outside your home.

You’ll find that play offers lots of possibilities to build on.