Reply to Help: What does "play-based" even mean?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Don't fall into the false "play vs learning" bit. Play is a way to learn, or as NAEYC puts it, "Play is a child’s context for learning."

"Children practice and reinforce their learning in multiple areas during play. It gives them a place and a time for learning that cannot be achieved through completing a worksheet. For example, in playing restaurant, children write and draw menus, set prices, take orders, and  make out checks.  Play provides rich learning opportunities and leads to children’s success and self-esteem." (http://families.naeyc.org/learning-and-development/child-development/10-things-every-parent-should-know-about-play)[/quote]

That still explains nothing at all about how two teachers manage a class of 16 3 year olds, provide an environment to work on their gross and fine motor skills, ensure introduction to literacy skills, and, above all, a harmonious and positive social-emotional experience where kids feel secure as they grow into socializing with each other.  [/quote]

Not to mention, how does a teacher ensure that kids playing restaurant are actually going to write menus, set prices, and write checks?  The teachers can't/won't/shouldn't force them to include this in their play. What the heck is wrong with interspersing short periods of focused academics with longer periods of free play?[/quote]

It is wrong to judge children by "success" in academics at that age. And yes, I have seen a red pen being used to correct 3-year-old's "mistake." "Academics" in preschool environment should be about exposing children to letters, numbers, colors, shapes, etc. without pressure of feeling incompetent and failing. Teachers can become very controlling when "academics" are the school's motto. Well, there was a thread recently about preschools pushing reading and writing on younger preschoolers. [/quote]

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