Play-Based Learning, Is It Working As Expected?

Wysoki and Writing Analytically
The reading, "The Multiple Media of Texts" by Wysoki did not influence my writing very much. Possibly one thing would be the text and the organization of the articles were a professional and an educated tone. I have however, learned how to display my website effectively through this reading. It has expanded my thinking to include the visual stimulation that is needed on websites and studies of how people read and view websites for information gathering. The reading Writing Analytically on the other hand helped me by walking through how to write a research paper as expected in class. Writing as a conversation was taking place and gathering what is being said and unsaid and writing a conclusion. As opposed to to how we were taught to write in secondary school, which was the basic five paragraph essay.

Play-Based Learning, Is It Working As Expected?

Gary Eason. "Teachers Want Play-Based Learning." news.bbc.co.uk. April 17, 2006. web. 2/6/11.

Pinson, Dena M., Montgomery, Diane. "Play-Based Programming: Advantages fro Rural Early Childhood Special Education". Eric Education Resources Information Center. Articles. 1999-03-00. Web. February 6, 2011.

Dawn Sanders, Gabrielle White, Bethan Burge, Caroline Sharp. Anna Eames, Rhona McEune and Hilary Grayson, "A Study of the Transition from the Foundation Stage to Key Stage 1" Eric Education Resources Information Center. Articles. 00-00-2005. Web. February 27, 2011.

Head Start uses play-based learning as part of their curriculum. According to the authors of the article,"Play-Based Programming", extensive research has proven that play-based learning as part of curriculum helps children learn. And the article "Teachers Want Play-Based Learning" agrees by stating teachers in England are demanding play-based learning becoming a part of their curriculum. "Teachers Want Play-Based Learning" states that important lessons are lost by not including play into teaching. And also points out that play learning has been proven to be more effective than traditional learning. Play learning, I believe, opens a creative channel through the mind of a learning child. Instead of day dreaming about other things the brain is engaged in the learning process.

"A Study of Transitions.." argue that the transition from play-based learning to traditional learning was a challenge for elementary teachers. The elementary teachers say it is difficult for these children to sit and listen. Also, most children missed the play-based learning and worried about their expectations. I think stress is arguably counterproductive in an education setting.

"Teachers Want Play-Based Learning" argued that if play-based learning were to continue through elementary school, then it would improve the children's learning. Also, pointing out that evidence has proven that lack of play causes harm to children's health and well being. "Play-Based Programing..." said that children will act out during play things that are confusing to the children to work through these things. Children will work through a problem together to get at the answer through play. Play-Based Learning works best when initiated by the child and if the child invites the adult to play, then the adult can walk the child through the processes. "Play-Based Programing..." also states that a free discovery structure that allows the children to play and learn effectively guided by the teacher is beneficial.

Repetitive tasks and games helps children that I have worked with do every day tasks by themselves such as hand washing toileting etc. Have the children do as much as they can do on their own. If the child needs help then he/she must ask for what they need. If the child gets frustrated then he/she must first calm down, then voice what they are frustrated about. Then talk with the child about how things are usually done and why.

"A Study of Transitions..." pointed out that The US begins transitions in Kindergarten from play-based learning to traditional. In Europe, transitions begins a year later. Suggesting that a year is enough time for children to become prepared for the transition and to mature. Also "A Study of Transitions..." states that some elementary schools have implemented some play-learning exercises. And many of the preschools have implemented literacy and mathematics lessons to better prepare the children for the transition. "A Study of Transitions..." said that some teachers reported transition issues with literacy and mathematics expressly with children that were youngest in the group and those that have special needs.

"A Study of Transitions..." points out that children learn to transition though many things such as moving, parent separation, parent divorce, new custody arrangements etc, they also must learn to adapt to new learning styles. Children must learn new rules, new routines and new surroundings. The child's ability to transition to new things is very important to learn. I think that a child needs to be taught how to adapt sometimes they need words of encouragement and praise. Sometimes they need to be prepared when they are very young for changes to daily routines and surroundings possibly the first time being away from Mom.