Opportunity to play

Learning is a lifelong process. A process that begins long before children attend their first day of kindergarten. Whether you send your children to a daycare, developmental center, Headstart program, or keep them home; the first few years are crucial to set the foundation for learning.

How do children learn? The short answer: through play. To be more specific, children learn through intentional play. Intentional play is providing a guided opportunity to learn a new subject or skill. There are many ways to learn and play incorporates them all. While you guide your children through intentional play, you can engage them by discussing what is happening, demonstrating how something works, and answering their questions. They will watch you and listen to you and then be able to try the new skill themselves.

Intentional play is a great way to learn because it allows a child to learn at their own pace and in their own way. Something especially important to keep in mind since no two children learn the same way. And if you are teaching multiple children, it allows the opportunity for children to learn from each other. Play takes the stress out of learning because kids don't have to worry about failing or getting it wrong.

It is important to provide opportunities for your children to play, especially if you want them to learn a specific skill. Children can't learn something unless they're given the chance to learn it. Remember to engage your child and be patient with them. Very few of us are able to get something right the first time we see it.

With all of that in mind, there are many ways you can bring intentional play into your daily routine whether as a teacher or a parent. Start by asking your child questions while they play. Basic questions that get your child to describe either what they are doing or how the object they're playing with looks will build vocabulary and critical thinking skills. The next step is to ask the 'What if...' questions. Those questions encourage your child to think logically as well as creatively. For example, you could ask your child 'Can a firetruck be blue?' or 'What else could you do with a spatula?' These types of questions teach your child to consider all the possibilities of an object while also learning its true purpose.

In addition to asking questions, it is important to demonstrate how something works. It is not always obvious how a child should play with a toy. And while they should be encouraged to figure things out for themselves, sometimes, they need a gentle nudge in the right direction. Note that I'm not encouraging doing it for them, just showing them how it works. When you play with your child, you show them that they are important and deserving of your attention and you also make them interested in what is being learned.

You can play intentionally with a child of any age, but it doesn't all look the same. It is important to tailor play for your child's age and and skill level. Remember that not only will each child learn differently, but they will also learn different things at different times. Be patient.

Play allows us to release stress and gives us the chance to explore. Playing with your child will not only enable them to learn new skills and have fun doing it; but it also helps build a bond between the two of you. The most important thing to remember is to have fun.

Until next time, I wish you well.