Play based learning

In 2018, Room 25 will be a play based learning classroom.


Play is an essential part of a child’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. It allows them to test ideas, work through uncertainties, explore social interactions  and make sense of the world around them.  Play has no predetermined outcome or time limit.  It is not about an end product but about a process.  It’s the exploration of ideas that is crucial.  Play is children’s work.

It can be argued that children today have fewer opportunities to play and be active than in the past.  There is less time spent exploring the natural world, less time ‘doing their own thing,’ fewer opportunities to take risks and problem solve.  There is more time in supervised, protected and confining activities that put boundaries on learning and creativity.

In a play based classroom, play is an essential part of the school day. Your child will have opportunities to choose their own activities and follow their curiosities. Teaching of reading, writing, maths, science, technology, Te reo, the arts and social sciences will still occur alongside this play and will still be assessed like any other classroom.

The teacher’s role in a play based classroom is to get involved in the play and look for opportunities to extend ideas, add in language, encourage problem solving, and model/teach social skills.

What will this mean for your child?

- Higher level of engagement as activities are self chosen
- Emphasis placed on creativity rather than the finished product
- Targeted teaching of reading, writing, maths and other subjects


How will your child’s learning be communicated?

- Online, via our class blog:    https://room252018.blogspot.co.nz/
- In the ‘What is Room 25 doing?’ book in class (on top of the frog’s house)

What can you do to help?

- Check what the children have been doing in class and talk about it with your child
- Pack an extra set of clothes in your child’s bag in case we are doing messy play
- Encourage your child to play and create at home

If you have any questions, please email me: khintz@kns.ac.nz             

Thanks, Keirryn Hintz

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