Play based learning
Senior Occupational Therapist, Brittany, explains the benefits of play-based learning.
Through play, children can learn to share, take turns, problem solve and follow other people’s lead. In our SensesWA Play Skills Group, Haniya has worked collaboratively with her peers and their adult family members to learn to share play equipment, show initiative and express how she wants to play, and problem solve when perhaps others would like to play in a different way.
“Play is a child’s occupation”.
Being playful with children in daily routines can make these routines easier to manage and increase your child’s motivation to become independent. Play is particularly important for school aged children, as it helps them to interact with their peers and build long lasting friendships.
What is play-based learning?
Play has an important role in the development of early language skills.
Play-based learning makes up most of a child’s learning in early life. Any child who is not able to engage in play as effectively or as independently as other children may miss out on important learning opportunities.
Learning through activities that a child finds enjoyable creates a positive association with learning and allows them to learn more effectively. It also allows the learning to become part of memory and remain with the child.
Social play provides a child with the opportunity to practice a number of communication skills, and provides an environment where they can learn from their peers.
Early intervention for children who experience difficulties with play skills can improve speech and language development and assist with social skills or interactions with playmates.
As always, the SensesWA team is here to assist, talk to us if you have any questions.
