I’m often asked why I transitioned to a a playful learning approach in my classroom. The story starts 20+ years ago. I received my first Grade 1 teaching contract. Previously, I had taught in a Kindergarten classroom and was excited to move onto the next grade level. I carefully planned
Board games are a fun and engaging way for children to learn and develop a variety of essential skills. Beyond the entertainment value, playing games offers numerous educational benefits that support social, cognitive, and emotional development. Here’s how board games can positively impact children in the classroom: 1. Practice Social
Fine motor skills are essential for children’s growth. It helps them perform everyday tasks like writing, buttoning clothes, and tying shoelaces. These small muscle movements require control and precision, and playful learning offers a fun and effective way to strengthen these skills. What Are Fine Motor Skills? Fine motor skills
Dramatic play is a powerful tool for learning and development. Through this form of play, children take on various roles and act out scenarios. Children can explore the world, express their emotions, and build crucial social and cognitive skills. Here’s how dramatic play benefits children in the classroom: 1. Developing
A puzzle is more than just a fun game. Puzzles help children learn and grow in many ways. You can use puzzles in your classroom or your home to help children build so many important skills. Here’s how puzzles can help children learn: 1. Matching Colours, Shapes, and Patterns Puzzles
Loose parts are everyday objects that children can move, arrange, and manipulate in countless ways. Items like buttons, stones, sticks, and fabric scraps become tools for imagination and creativity. Engaging with loose parts offers children a dynamic and open-ended play experience that fosters a wide range of skills. Here’s how
Small world play involves using miniature figures, animals, buildings, and other objects to create and explore a detailed, small-scale world. This type of play offers children a unique way to interact with the world around them, encouraging both imaginative exploration and skill development. Here’s how small world play benefits children
Play is the foundation of early learning, and one of the most effective tools in a child’s development is a simple set of blocks. These versatile toys offer a range of benefits that go far beyond mere entertainment. Incorporating block play into your classroom or home can be a powerful way
Setting Up My Grade 1 Classroom This week I’ve been setting up my grade 1 classroom to fosters playful learning. After the summer break, children are eager to explore, discover, and engage with their environment. Setting up a space that encourages hands-on learning, exploration, and discovery while also offering engaging
At the start of my teaching journey, I hid the fact that my students had time to play. I closed the door and hoped that my colleagues, or even worse, my principal would not come into the room during that time of the day. Although I knew that these young
I share teaching tips, strategies, lesson experiences and classroom snapshots to support your 3 to 6 year old learners.