Playing around, exploring and creating worlds is an enjoyable, foundational aspect of childhood, but in daycare centres, it’s much more than fun and games. Here, play transforms into a critical part of early childhood education, acting as a powerful catalyst for learning and development.
At Young Academics, we understand that a play-based curriculum is not only effective but essential in nurturing the whole child—cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically.
In this piece, we will delve into the reasons why play is so pivotal in a daycare setting, the benefits of a play-based curriculum, and how this approach is implemented at Young Academics to give children the best start in life.
The Importance of Play in Daycare Centres
So, why is play so central to daycare programs?
Play is the natural language of children; from a very young age, children use play to explore the world around them, to express themselves, and to learn new skills. Through play, they experiment with fresh ideas, test their limits, and figure out how things work. In daycare centres, we harness this natural inclination and structure sessions to maximise its educational potential.
Research consistently shows that play is fundamental to the healthy development of a child’s brain.
According to the
American Academy of Pediatrics, play enhances brain structure and function and promotes executive function, which allows children to pursue goals and ignore distractions. Play also contributes to the development of fine and gross motor skills, social skills, and self-regulation. These are all critical areas of development that prepare children for the formal learning they will encounter in school and life.
Furthermore, play is inherently engaging. Children are naturally curious, and play taps into their curiosity, making learning enjoyable and effective. Instead of being passive recipients of information, children become active participants in their own education. Active participation not only makes learning more enjoyable but also helps to instil a lifelong love of learning. When children are excited about learning, they are more likely to succeed in school and beyond.
Benefits of a Play-Based Curriculum
A play-based curriculum offers a range of benefits that address all aspects of a child’s development:
Cognitive Development
Play is a core driver of cognitive development in children. When children engage in play, they are constantly thinking, planning, and problem-solving. Take, for example, a child building a tower out of blocks. This seemingly simple activity requires the child to think critically about balancing the blocks, planning the structure, and deciding how to proceed when the tower inevitably falls. These activities promote the development of essential cognitive skills, such as critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving.
Moreover, play-based learning encourages creativity and imagination, key cognitive development components. Through imaginative play, children can explore different scenarios, roles, and possibilities, which helps them to think creatively and abstractly. This type of creative thinking is important for cognitive development and success in the modern world, where innovation and problem-solving are highly valued.
Studies have shown that children who are exposed to play-based learning are better prepared for the academic challenges they will face in school. They develop a strong foundation in maths, science, literacy, and other academic areas and a love of learning that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Social Skills
Social development is another area where play-based learning shines. Play is, by nature, a social activity. Whether children play together in a group game, share toys, or participate in a collaborative project, they are constantly learning to interact with others in ever-changing environments. Through these interactions, children develop essential social skills, such as communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution.
For instance, when children engage in role-playing activities, such as playing house or pretending to be doctors, they learn to take turns, share responsibilities, and negotiate roles. Ultimately, these experiences help children to develop empathy and understand different perspectives – deep components of social development.
In a play-based curriculum, educators facilitate these social interactions by observing the children, stepping in when necessary to guide the interactions and helping children learn how to communicate effectively, express their feelings, and positively resolve conflicts. These social skills are important for childhood and essential for success in life, as they help children build strong relationships and work effectively with others.
Emotional Growth
Through play, children can express their emotions, explore feelings, and develop a sense of self.
For example, when children engage in pretend play, they often act out scenarios that help them process their emotions and understand the feelings of others. This type of exploration develops emotional intelligence, which is the ability to understand, express, and manage emotions. Children who develop strong emotional intelligence are better able to cope with stress, build strong relationships, and navigate the complexities of life.
In a play-based curriculum, educators provide a safe and supportive environment where children can explore their emotions and develop emotional intelligence.
Physical Development
Through physical play, children develop gross and fine motor skills, improve their coordination, and build strength and endurance. Activities such as running, jumping, climbing, and playing with small objects help children develop the physical skills to navigate their environment and participate in everyday activities.
Physical play is also important for overall health and well-being. Children who engage in regular physical activity are more likely to develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. In a play-based curriculum, physical play is integrated into the daily routine, ensuring children have plenty of opportunities to be active and develop physical skills.
Implementation in Daycare Centers
So, how is a play-based curriculum implemented in daycare centres?
As an
early learning centre in Sydney, Young Academics takes a holistic approach to play-based learning, creating an environment that is rich in opportunities for exploration, creativity, and learning. Our educators are trained to create engaging, child-centred environments where play is the primary mode of learning.
Each day, children at Young Academics are given the freedom to choose their activities, whether it’s building with blocks, engaging in dramatic play, or exploring nature. Our educators observe and interact with the children, providing guidance and support when needed and allowing them the freedom to explore and learn at their own pace.
Our curriculum is flexible and responsive to the interests and needs of the children. For example, suppose a group of children shows an interest in animals. In that case, the educators might introduce activities related to animals, such as a pretend zoo, animal-themed crafts, or stories about animals. This approach keeps learning relevant, engaging, and fun for the children.
We also believe in the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment where children feel comfortable taking risks and trying new things. Our centres are designed with this in mind, providing a variety of spaces and materials that encourage exploration and creativity.
Give Your Child the Best Start at Young Academics
At Young Academics, we are committed to providing the highest quality early childhood education through our play-based curriculum. We believe that every child deserves the best start in life, and we work tirelessly to create an environment where children can thrive.
Young Academics to learn more about the difference that a play-based curriculum can make in your child’s life. Our centres across New South Wales are designed to provide a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment where children can explore, learn, and grow.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help give your child the best start in life.
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