In their early years, children are like little sponges absorbing all kinds of information around them and actively making sense of it all.
This act of information gathering, and interpreting becomes seamless and effortless through playing. Numerous studies show that play-based learning is the most effective type of learning during early childhood development.
Despite the different cultures children can grow up in with various access to and quality education, learners are the same everywhere. As an Early Childhood Education Specialist at Sekolah Pelita Harapan (SPH) Pluit Village, Christel Van Zyl has been teaching Early Years for 15 years; from which she shared, “These early learners approach learning with enthusiasm, and the more experiences we give them, the more they want to know. The more fun they have, the more they learn!”
Natural Training Ground
Play-based learning allows young learners to develop maturity that would set them up for success in the years to come. It is an opportunity to help children learn and grow in their unique way. Ms. Christel reminded us, “Young learners are inquisitive by nature, and we should let them experiment, question, research, move, and discover the world in the way most natural to them!”
Besides its fun aspect, play-based learning involves structured play activities that stimulate curiosity and encourage investigation skills. As it allows children to interact with each other freely, they learn to cooperate and use their imagination to solve problems, resulting in building their language and social skills.
Practical and Versatile
As complex little beings learning to know themselves and what they are capable of, children love experimenting and pushing boundaries to find their place in society. This is why a play-based approach is an excellent way to facilitate learning. Guided through constructive and hands-on activities, this type of learning can be done at school, at home, on the road, or anywhere! By not staying too close or dictating what they must do or figure out, children can have their own space to explore and expand their creativity. Parents can bring this approach to learning at home by making time for their little ones for sensory or outdoor play activities.
Endless Possibilities
Children’s method of play will develop and evolve as they grow according to their preferences, abilities, and skills. Some may lean towards constructive building blocks, which focus on developing spatial sensitivity and motor skills. Others may prefer imaginative plays, such as a simple role-playing skit, which develops their creative-thinking skills. Educators and parents can easily support a child’s learning at home through various activities like reading, solving puzzles, or playing outdoors. Doing this kills two birds with one stone, as you have fun encouraging their learning and making memories to be cherished forever. These types and methods of play in a play-based learning program encourage children to be active, productive, and engaged.
New Kindergarten Center at SPH Pluit Village
SPH Pluit Village provides excellent Kindergarten programs with the best learning environment for your little ones by embracing its play-based learning approach. From sensory play to fine and gross motor activities, Kindergarten classes at SPH cover a wide range of play activities that promote well-balanced development in every area: cognitive, physical, socio-emotional, and spiritual. As the school’s effort to reach more families in Indonesia, particularly around the Pluit area, SPH Pluit Village has expanded its Kindergarten learning center to provide a purpose-built facility allowing children to explore and learn at their own pace with structured free-thinking and exploratory activities.
Start your little one’s most exciting learning journey at SPH Pluit Village with our new Kindergarten center. Find out more and register your interest for 2023/2024 enrollment at sph.edu/pv-kindy/.
It’s time for your child to experience play-based learning like never before!
