Why play?
Play or Worksheets?
The majority of young children
learn best when they are active
participants. Children need
chances to interact with others
and opportunities to explore and
experiment with real materials.
Play encourages these types of
experiences, which is why it is
such an effective tool for teaching children.
There are many advantages in allowing children to
interact, investigate and use equipment in a play
environment rather than using worksheets. Play supports
children’s interests. Children who are allowed to choose
where they play, are likely to spend more time and show
more interest in the chosen activities, which will result in
further learning opportunities.
Isn’t play just for fun?
Play is fun, but it is also an ideal way for children of all
ages to learn. Unfortunately, play is often underrated.
This may occur because the connection between a child’s
play and the learning that results is often difficult to see.
Let’s look at the skill of writing. To be able to write
effectively children need muscle control in their torso,
arms and fingers and an awareness of shapes and
patterns they need to copy. Climbing on play equipment
and shaping playdough will develop children’s muscles,
and their ability to use their hands and fingers in unison.
Playing with puzzles and games will help
children to recognise different shapes and
patterns. These simple examples show
how seemingly unrelated play activities
are effective and, in many cases, essential,
to develop a fundamental skill.
Reprinted with permission from: Humphreys, D (2006)
I Love to Play Brisbane: Bookoola Ink.
Play works in accordance with children’s readiness.
Children do not learn to walk or talk at exactly the
same time; similarly they are not ready to read or write
at exactly the same time either. All children develop at
their own rate, irrespective of their age. Children who are
required to complete worksheets, rather than progress at
their own rate, may miss vital steps in learning. They may
also experience a sense of failure, which could diminish
their enthusiasm for learning.
Play supports how children learn. It is difficult for young
children to learn a skill purely by direct instruction. For
example, a child can be instructed to repeat a sequence
of numbers but the child will not have learnt how to
count. The child needs the experiences of hearing, seeing
and using numbers. By moving objects and using numbers
in a variety of practical situations, the child
develops a true understanding of counting.
Play can provide these opportunities.
Worksheets are limited in what they
can teach and how they can teach it.
Play provides endless opportunities for
children to interact, explore, understand,
learn and practise a wide range of skills
and knowledge appropriate for their level
of development.