What is Play Based Learning

Play Based Learning is the act of playing while learning. It is most commonly associated with PreKindergarten or preschool.

Most define play based learning as student driven and without a prescribed set of rules or outcomes. In other words, it’s open ended and not considered to be work.

However, I believe that work can be steeped in play. And through play, students can learn a desired academic outcome.

I also believe that play isn’t just for PreK. All grade levels gain benefits when they learn through play.

The trick is to create activities that engage students in play like activities that activate their brain in similar ways.

Benefits of Play Based Learning

We are all driven to play. Play is fun. And having fun is one of our basic needs.

In education, we seem to think that fun is a four letter word. So instead, we use the term engagement.

Student engagement has huge benefits.

• MOTIVATION: When students are engaged in their learning, they are motivated to learn and acquire new skills. They are open to new experiences, and are willing to take risks. Use songs like Peanut Butter in a Cup to help children differentiate left from right; a crucial block coding skill.
  
• TESTS KNOWLEDGE: Through play, students test out their thinking. They uncover misconceptions and misperceptions. Students uncover an understanding of concepts; constructing their learning. It’s important that students have the chance to tinker with learning concepts as they develop their understanding of it. Activities like sorts and timelines do just that.

• PRACTICE SOCIAL SKILLS: Social skills are a critical component of the 21st century workplace. Play provides opportunities for students to practice the necessary social skills they’ll later use as an employee. They learn to ask questions, communicate ideas, share materials, take turns, and more. Using games like Entourage to teach the coding skill of variables teaches children how to be good sports and part of a team.
  
• DEVELOP INQUIRY SKILLS: Inquiry is the act of being curious. Curiosity leads to problem solving; a critical thinking skill. Inquiry and problem solving are crucial when students are coding, using technology, or researching answers to questions. Just providing time for children to explore how to use materials and tablet applications engages them in inquiry. In the end, they become more independent in using routine tools.
  
• POSITIVE LEARNING ATTITUDE: We remember how things make us feel. And when we associate the feeling of fun with learning we develop positive feelings about learning. And know what happens because of this? Life long learning.
• DECREASE BEHAVIORS: When students are engaged they stay committed to the work they are doing. They don’t ask to leave the room. They’re not up out of their seat. They’re not fooling around. And that makes our job of teaching so much easier.
  

Play Based Learning Activities

Play Based Learning Not Just for PreK

Most educators will tell you that play based learning is only for PreK.

That’s just not so.

Students of all ages can and should be engaged in play based learning.

The benefits of play alone make the argument for it.

In addition, developmental characteristics demand it. Elementary children have a developmental need to get up and move, grapple with concepts, and socialize. Play can facilitate that for them.

All elementary children can use manipulatives to make and predict patterns this is an important computational thinking skill.

Students can complete sorts to manipulate concepts. They can do things like sort out the types of parts of a citation, or even play games to test their knowledge and understanding of expectations.

Play Based Learning Activities

5 Ways to Incorporate Play Based Learning

play based learning can be accomplished at any age and grade. All you need to do is incorporate activities that embody the spirit of play based learning.

There are simple ways to do just that.

• GAMES: Games are a great way to incorporate play. And they easily engage students in problem solving and social skills. Mazes, Sorry, Candy Land, and UNO can achieve all of that. At the same time, they can also teach coding and computational thinking skills.
  
• ENERGIZERS: I love using Energizers, or Brain Breaks! Even a simple one, like Just Like Me, are quick fun ways to have kids share prior knowledge about any content you’re about to teach. Or even make connections before you read aloud to them.
  
• LEARNING STRUCTURES: Learning structures provide additional opportunities for children to play with content while also practicing social skills while they get up and move. Swap Meets are fun ways to have students share what learned about citing sources.
  
• SORTS: Activities likes sorts, cut and paste, and mats let kids manipulate content. They can move pieces around as they figure out what is and is not a source.

• STUDENT CHOICE: Play based learning should be student driven, inviting students to make choice in their learning. They can choose between a sort or a cut and paste activity. They can choose between self correcting digital games or a worksheet. Choice is key.

Employing methods such as these makes it easier to achieve the benefits of play. I recommend taking a look at the types of activities you already use with students and how they let kids play with the content. Ask yourself the following questions:

• How do my students make a choice in their learning?
  
• In what ways do students manipulate the content? Can they move pieces around to make a timeline, T-Chart, or other graphic organizer?
  
• What opportunities will students have to work with others?
  
• What games can I use to teach this concept or skill? If there aren’t any games, how can I make it feel like a game?
  
• Are there toys or manipulatives that will help teach this concept or skill?
  

Consider that when planning play based lessons. Then, notice how your students respond to different activities.

You may actually see that one class prefers games like Jeopardy and another prefers sorts. While yet another may want the option to choose between the two.

Your students will appreciate the efforts to incorporate play in the library. And the more play you incorporate, the less time you’ll spend disciplining off task behaviors.