What is a Play-based Curriculum? (2024)

FAQs

What is meant by a play based curriculum? ›

A play-based curriculum is informed by children's interests and needs (as they emerge). The teacher has fixed learning goals, but these are achieved holistically, responsively and flexibly as the children grow and develop (Van Oers and Duikers, 2013).

Whether it is playing dress ups, constructing grand designs with building blocks, singing songs, telling stories, playing with containers or having fun outside with sand and water – play can be built into everyday routines and activities. Let your children see you having fun!

Play-based curriculum engages all senses in learning. For example, children may hear stories and sing songs about farm animals, then collaborate with others playing imaginary games.

Play based learning refers to a holistic approach to learning and development. Through play, children learn valuable skills that support their social, physical and cognitive development. Through engaging with others, objects and symbols, children learn to make sense of the world around them.

Open-Ended Play. One of the key differences between a Montessori education and one received at most other schools is the approach to play. Simply put, the Montessori approach to play is learning skills that have a practical application…in a fun way.

Elements of play-based learning

Enjoyable: Play is enjoyable for the child. This emotional aspect is important. There may be some frustrations or disagreements during play but overall it's pleasurable. Unstructured: A child has ample time to explore and discover during play.

Last updated on November 21, 2023. Play-based learning is a powerful approach that has gained significant recognition in early education programs. Instead of relying solely on traditional teaching methods, play-based learning embraces the innate curiosity and creativity of children to foster their development.

In play-based learning, teachers take an active role as intentional planners, observers and guides. Play-based learning maintains the joy of free play while allowing children to connect authentically with content.

Play vs Play-based Learning

Play-based learning includes a greater integration of adult support and more intentionality in the planning for play contexts. The most effective play-based learning occurs when the educator is there to facilitate and scaffold learning.

Designing a play-based curriculum

Creating a play-based preschool curriculum involves mapping out a framework that supports various types of play, such as sensory play, imaginative play, and physical play, and then opening up the space to let children take the lead.

Is creative curriculum a play-based curriculum? ›

The Creative Curriculum for Preschool empowers children to be confident, creative, and caring learners through play-based, hands-on investigations—a research-based approach that incorporates language, literacy, and mathematics throughout the day.

Likewise, at Reggio Emilia Early Learning Centres, there is a focus on play-based learning and an understanding of how it can effectively support a child's cognitive, social and physical development.

A play based environment also enhances the development of your child's fine motor skills. Spending their time running, throwing balls, playing sports, and colouring significantly improves their core strength, hand-eye coordination and balance.

The Playwork Curriculum suggests that the essential experiences available to children fall into the following categories - The Elements (Fire, Water, Air, Earth), Identity, Concepts and The Senses. Children need direct and first hand experience of all four elements.

Teachers and researchers alike view the value of this type of play to be social, emotional, and developmental; children gain skills by negotiating relationships and conflicts with peers and by role-playing novel situations.

Children are naturally curious and drawn to play, and by providing a play-based approach, we are able to focus on their social learning and allow them the time and space to build relationships at their own pace. With time, children will become engaged in play and develop strong social connections.