“Learn through play, play to learn” – this age-old proverb still holds immense value, especially in early childhood education. The golden age of 2-6 years old is when children absorb knowledge most effectively through play activities. So, how can we apply play-based learning methods for preschoolers scientifically and effectively? This article will help you answer that question.
## The Colorful World of Preschool Games
Play-based learning in preschool education is a child-centered approach that utilizes age-appropriate play activities to help children develop comprehensively in physical, cognitive, language, emotional, social, and aesthetic domains.
Unlike traditional methods, play-based learning creates a friendly and natural learning environment, stimulating children’s creativity, thinking, and problem-solving skills. Instead of forced passive knowledge absorption, children are free to explore, experience, and acquire knowledge actively and enthusiastically through games.
Did you know that Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, a preschool education expert with over 20 years of experience at Son Ca Kindergarten District 7, once shared: “Play is the work of childhood. Through play, children not only have fun and entertainment but also learn and develop comprehensively in all aspects.”
## Types of Games for Preschoolers
Just like “a rabbit has three burrows,” games for preschoolers are also categorized into different types based on purpose, form, and content:
- By Purpose:
- Physical development games: Hopscotch, dragon snake, jumping through hoops,…
- Cognitive development games: Puzzles, picture matching, spot the difference,…
- Language development games: Storytelling, role-playing, singing,…
- Social-emotional development games: Playing store, playing doctor,…
- By Form:
- Role-playing games: Doctor, police officer, teacher,…
- Movement games: Running, jumping, throwing balls,…
- Creative games: Drawing, sculpting, tearing and pasting,…
- Folk games: O An Quan (Mandarin Square Capturing), blind man’s buff, Chi Chi Chanh Chanh (a hand-clapping game),…
- By Content:
- Games with objects: Building blocks, assembling toys, playing with sand,…
- Games with friends: Dragon snake, playing tag,…
- Games with the surrounding environment: Observing plants, taking care of plants,…
## “Golden” Benefits of Play-Based Learning for Preschoolers
The effectiveness of play-based learning in preschool education has been proven through numerous scientific studies.
- Physical Development: Movement games help children improve their health, strengthen their physique, develop senses, and motor skills.
- Cognitive Development: Through observation, comparison, analysis, and synthesis during play, children develop logical thinking, memory skills, concentration, and problem-solving abilities.
- Language Development: Children communicate and interact with friends and teachers, thereby enriching their vocabulary, practicing expression skills, and building self-confidence.
- Social-Emotional Development: Children learn to cooperate, share, help friends, develop essential life skills, and positive moral values.
- Aesthetic Development: Children are exposed to music and art, free to create and express themselves, thereby developing artistic talents.
## Secrets to Effectively Applying Play-Based Learning for Preschoolers
To maximize the effectiveness of play-based learning, parents and teachers should note:
- Choose games that are appropriate for the child’s age, interests, and abilities.
- Create a safe and friendly environment that encourages children to participate actively.
- Explain the rules of the game clearly and understandably.
- Do not force children to play; let them choose and explore freely.
- Combine games with other learning activities to add more fun.
In addition, parents can also refer to e-learning lectures on preschool local geography or beneficial activities such as preschool Toca Toca dance to diversify activities for children.
## Conclusion
Play-based learning for preschoolers is the “golden key” to unlocking potential, nurturing the souls and minds of children. Let children freely play, create, and develop in their own colorful world!
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