Play-based learning is a wonderful tool to engage children's minds through play, as well as help them learn new skills like problem solving!
This learning approach leans into the intrinsic, inquisitive nature of children and gives them the safe environment to really learn how to utilize this curiosity and eventually even apply it in the real world. Giving children the freedom to use their imagination to the fullest is at the core of play-based learning and can be found in even the simplest activities.
Let's look at the 3 C's of Play developed by Yolonda Deon Tyler to see how you can incorporate play-based learning into your child's day!
Community
A feeling of fellowship with others as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
From the moment we began to PLAY as children, we started to create our community. From interactions with family to interactions with other people outside of the home, the social interactions we encounter from the start of our life begin to shape and create the community we will imagine for ourselves for years to come.
Creativity
The use of the imagination or original ideas.
PLAY produces some of the most interesting ideas and concepts. However simplistic PLAY seems to you, there is an entire complex symphony that can happen in your universe as you PLAY. When we use our imagination during PLAY, we learn empathy; we learn to regulate our emotions and to problem-solve. This is where our personalities are truly created, and goals are constructed.
Cognitive Development
The process through which an individual acquires knowledge, comprehension, problem-solving skills, and the capacity for abstract thinking.
Cognitive skill development involves the progressive building of skills, such as attention, memory, and thinking. These skills allow us to process sensory information and encourage us to evaluate, analyze, remember, make comparisons, and understand cause and effect. Although some cognitive skill development is related to our genetic makeup, most cognitive skills are learned. That means thinking and learning skills can be improved with practice and the right training.
Crafts and games are an excellent way to encourage play-based learning. Consider trying a simple craft to start like our Pirate Treasure Map, as attached in our fun tutorial video! Our YouTube page, Mindful Play Learning, has many different craft tutorial videos available as shorts that can guide you.