Introduction to Play

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Play is the heart of learning 


The first session on the module "Play in Early Childhood" was an eye opener. We started off the session with a warm-up game called "Pass the Clap" and it illustrated how beneficial the play is, with respect to impact and social connectedness. It was a very special moment specially for me as we moved on to the storytelling and shared some of our childhood play experiences. It emphasized that play is universal language and one of the major ways in which we see the world.                                                                                                   
What I learned the most is that play is not "Free time" but it is a meaningful learning.  While the defining the play is difficult yet the sources make it clear that play is self-driven, process oriented and most importantly, voluntary. The most relevant definitions were those by Maria Montessori and Jean Piaget, both of whom viewed play as the "work for children." This is a different way of which looking at it, which deviates from the "drill and kill" method that many teachers use, the drill can become so repetitive that is sure to bore young students. 

Moreover, it was a very good experience to discuss the socio-cultural context of play in Bhutan. I thought that adults values might determine what we accept  as play. We put too much emphasis on alphabet and number games. As an educator in future, I have to be aware that the activities the adults make might not be play for the children. I want to thrive for purposeful play and look for ways to provide opportunities for children to explore without the pressure of extrinsic rewards. A focus on fun and self-expression  will help me to make learning a natural and enjoyable experience not a chore. 

 


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