the play-based program

Children are naturally motivated to play. In a play-based program, children are able to choose learning activities based on their current interests. They are encouraged to be their own learning director to explore, experience, discover and solve problems. The focus of planning activities is based on children’s interests and needs. Based on observation, educators create learning experiences on children’s needs and interests and act as a facilitator to support their learning. Educators also encouraged children to learn and inquire through interactions, which aims to stretch their thinking to higher levels. In a teacher-centred approach, for example, educators instruct young in the way that children put all their focus on the educator and listen exclusively. In contrast, in play-based learning, the educator observes that children are playing with alphabet blocks, then the educator can pose a question to the child (e.g. “Could you help me to find the first letter of your name?”). In this way, children are exposed to learning and problem solving through self-initiated activities and teacher guidance, which has scientifically shown long-term positive effects on children. 

1) Self-chosen: Children are provided with the opportunities to make choices for themselves 

        in play.  For example, they decide on how they’ll play, and for how long. 

2) Enjoyable: Play is enjoyable for the child. There might be some disagreements or conflicts

        during play, but overall it is a joyful experience. In which, children are motivated to play and

        learn more with the positive emotional aspect. 

3) Make-believe: Play often involves imagination, ‘make believe’ or ‘playing pretend’. 

4) Unstructured: This happens when children follow their lead in play 

5) Process-oriented: The process of play is the most important component, not the end 

        or learning goal 

A Play-based classroom is set up in a more natural way and brings in more natural light. Also, the classroom’s wall focuses more on children’s artwork, instead of commercialized posters, such as alphabet and number posters.   The learning environment is generally set up into sectors for large group time, creative art area, science and nature, sensory play, blocks construction, dramatic play area and so forth. Also, in these learning areas, educators will incorporate play-based materials and activities in that children are free to roam and choose materials to create their own learning experiences. The learning environment will be nurturing, stimulating and inspiring, and it leads children to explore, manipulate, discover and solve problems independently with ongoing support and guidance from educators. In a play-based classroom, every child regardless of their differences can feel safe and secure to explore, play and learn.