Play-based learning

Mary Ann P. Brazal

PROVISION of varied play-based activities leads students to becoming emergent literates and, helps them to naturally acquire the competencies to develop holistically.

They are able to understand the world by exploring their environment as they are encouraged to create and discover, that eventually leads them to becoming willing risk takers and ready to tackle formal school works.

All children shall be given equal opportunities to effectively promote their physical, social, emotional and intellectual development, including values formation.

Sadly, games of lore like Chinese garter, agawan base, piko and patintero are all alien concepts to today’s kids, according to a study. Who is to blame? One is generation gap, technology, disintegrating family units, young children spending more time in front of computers, and watching TV.

This is why Johnson & Johnson Philippines commissioned a study that showed that kids are now growing up with a concept of play as using their fingers, engrossed in small gadgets.

Operating on the research-supported idea that play, particularly physical play, promotes not only good health but also boosts a child’s mental development, the Department of Education, Play Pilipinas and Johnson and Johnson (Philippines), Inc. have come together to advocate the role of play in child development through an earlier campaign called “Di Lang Laro ang Laro”.

It advocates the importance of active play, which naturally teaches young children to focus and concentrate. It develops their balance and coordination necessary to perfect skills in sports and dance. Active play encourages the concept of strategy and teamwork in competition, including the social skills and values of losing gracefully, as well as rising after failure.

It is crucial that the Department of Education strongly supports the campaign. Schools now have to do their part in the learning and development of children.

The DepEd helps in giving guidance for parents and day care workers on the appropriate developmental learning activities for these ages. Part of the curriculum is now play-based. Teachers have also been transformed into the new thinking.

Furthermore, DepEd now recommends play that allows kids learn to know what life is about, satisfy their curiosity, and arouse awareness in their surroundings as sources of learning.