Learning Through Play is how our tamariki begin their journey at Mangōnui School. All children love to play and are very good at it!! We believe this is a great way to start school, feel successful and grow relationships.
Each morning from the time the students arrive at school until morning tea time they will have the opportunity to direct their own play through a variety of activities on offer within the classroom and wider school environment.
Research shows that play has a wide ranging number of benefits including the ability to help bridge the gap between early childhood and the more formal school programme for young people.
Activities are available to meet the interests and needs of the students across a variety of areas including:
Construction activities. Writing activities. Dramatic play. Art. Box Construction. Tinkering and deconstruction. Reading and Language. Math concepts. Sensory Activities. Science / Nature Table. Indoor and Outdoor options.
Alongside these there will also be physical development opportunities offered each day with activities available to support and develop the children's’ balance, fine motor control and visual eye tracking which are areas of physical development needed for learning.
Dramatic and Imaginative Play
Imaginative play helps children to develop their language and communication skills, and is also connected to every other aspect of child development e.g. physical, intellectual, emotional and social. When children act out their own life experiences it helps them make sense of what is happening in their lives and the world around them.
Construction Play Promotes;
Fine Motor Skill development through cutting, squeezing, grabbing and manipulating items.
Problem Solving Skills as they make plans, consider options, re-think plans and keep trying!
Imagination as they build and construct using their unique ideas and creativity.
Development of Focus and Patience as they work on a project and overcome challenges within their build.
Cooperation and Social Skills as they work together on projects or explain their ideas and projects to others.
Confidence - the smiles you see when students show off their completed masterpiece is priceless!
Explorative and Sensory Play
Students have the opportunity to explore and find out about things and the environment. They observe, question, make predictions and try things out, developing confident and competent learners who ask questions and make discoveries.
Literacy Integration
All areas of Literacy are explored and practised through Purposeful Play in addition to formal guided learning which occurs daily, outside of Purposeful Play time.
During Purposeful Play students have the opportunity to engage in rich and meaningful literacy activities as they;
Explore writing and mark making.
Make Lists.
Create cards, signs, notes & maps.
Record their observations and experiments.
Negotiate and explain their plans and ideas.
Numeracy Integration
Numeracy and Mathematics concepts are everywhere! Mathematics concepts are explored and practised through Purposeful Play in addition to formal guided learning which occurs daily, outside of Purposeful Play time.
During Purposeful Play students have the opportunity to engage in mathematical thinking activities as they;
Count
Sort
Order
Compare
Measure
Reason
Create patterns
Draw conclusions
Want to know more?
Check out this Ministry of Education Information and Learning Through Play Site
or contact the teacher!
Pukeko / New Entrant Class Teacher Veronica Masters veronicam@mangonui.school.nz