The Importance of Play

Play provides tremendous possibilities for learning and development. Through play, children naturally learn about their environment, express their thoughts and feelings, learn how to state their own points of view and learn how to respond to other people’s perspectives.

Play also inspires students to work collaboratively to find solutions andbuild interpersonal skills. When students are challenged to find solutions on their own, through collaborative discussion and engagement, they are developing problem solving skills and critical thinking. Play develops the creative side of the brain.

Play helps students to discover their talents and passions and to discover new interests, new concepts and ideas. By introducing play into a learning environment, educators can instill in their students the idea that learning can be fun and engaging.

Students want ownership for their work. When students have the opportunity to explore, and discover independently, they develop a love of learning that will be lasting.

Children are competent, capableand active. They draw on their experiences to construct their own understandings of the world. Each child has his or her own developmental path and play helps the childrento develop in their own strengths and capabilities along this path.

As Maple Bear teachers,we:

• Support learning through Play.This is the basis for ourearly learning programs,but it applies to all levels. Students learn better when they are enjoying their learning.
• View children as competent, capable and activelearners.
• Provide a stimulating environment that is safe, healthy and engaging.
• Support diversity and inclusion: Inclusion means that children of all abilities can participate equally in our learning programs.
• Provide an intentional curriculum that includes a combination of child-initiated spontaneous play facilitated by engaged and supportive early educators, as well as a more focused experiential learning guided by the educators.

Through purposeful play, children are better able to develop the necessary skills that will set them up for success. With play, everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.