Research

Research Article 1 : Learning Through Play -Education Central Summary of reading: Tara started a Learning Through Play classroom in 2014. "Haeata's (Haeata Community Campus) curriculum is designed around students' personal needs and interests with teachers supporting akonga to achieve learning outcomes through learning opportunities that reflect their own passions." Positives: -accelerated learning -focuses on child directed learning -inquiry based on interests/passions -focus equally on academics/well-being -works hand in hand achieving N.Z Curriculum standards -success in developing foundational skills through play before academic learning -Learning Through Play Facebook group created "Play is really inquiry learning for kids." -sets children up for success -provides a context for child initiated learning (most effective type of learning) -authentic opportunities for self management, building relationships -teacher set up for Learning Through Play is crucial, purpose to support learning, teacher involvement a skill -Literacy lab: traditional reading/writing, children wanting to learn (increase of culture) My Thoughts: Providing for childrens personal needs, interests and passions is important. We can include these in a Learning Through Play environment. It is about getting to know the learner so you can incorporate exploration and challenge activities that will build on the children's knowledge, skills and ignite/extend their passions/interests. I think the accelerated learning is happening in classrooms. We have taken on a collaborative approach with Learning Through Play. The children are learning from each other as well as teachers. They have more freedom to be creative and explore/learn together along the way building 21st century skills. We have incorporated our Project Based Learning about space into our Learning Through Play and Challenge Room. The children have learnt many fascinating things about space. It is great to provide authentic opportunities for the children. Our children are learning to self manage, build relationships and develop their 21st century skills. We have learnt more about the teacher's role in Learning Through Play. We now can observe the play and know when it is beneficial for us to enter the play and provide scaffolding. We have learnt more about the set up of Play and how to observe the children's urges and plan for these. I have been on the Learning Through Play Facebook page and find it is a good resource to use, it is interesting to see how it began.