by: Jasmin T. Bituin
Teacher III, San Francisco ES
Nagcarlan Sub-Office, SDO Laguna
I’ve always believed that learning should be a joyous adventure, not a chore. As an elementary teacher, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of play-based learning. It’s a philosophy that has guided my teaching, and I’ve seen the incredible benefits it brings to my learners.
One of my favorite memories was when I decided to try a new approach to teaching a unit on ecosystems. Instead of the traditional lecture and textbook method, I decided to create a series of engaging, hands-on activities that would allow my learners to explore and understand the natural world through play.
I divided the class into small groups and gave each group a flag to decorate. Every activity they completed successfully would earn them a ribbon to pin to their flag. This simple reward system added an element of excitement and competition, motivating the learners to work hard and have fun.
One of our activities during our math class involved measuring specific parts and features of the school, the gymnasium, tables, stage and other things. Applying the concept of Perimeter they just learned a day ago, then can be able to apply this knowledge in real-life situations. It was fun watching them work together, assigning tasks with group members; there are few who measures, some are taking records of data and others are helping with the computations.
In our EPP class involved building miniature ecosystems using recycled materials. The learners were given a variety of supplies, such as cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, and soil, and were tasked with creating a self-sustaining environment. It was amazing to watch their creativity and problem-solving skills come to life as they experimented with different materials and designs.
Next, we went on a nature walk to observe the school gulayan, this is part of their ESP, Science and EPP class wherein love for nature is being emphasis. The learners were encouraged to use their senses to explore the natural world and collect specimens. Back in the classroom, they analyzed their findings and learned about the different roles of plants and animals in a food chain.
Throughout the unit, I incorporated play-based activities into every lesson. We played games that simulated ecological processes, such as predator-prey relationships and the water cycle. We also created stories and songs about the natural world. By making learning fun and engaging, I was able to capture my learners’ attention and help them develop a deep understanding of the concepts we were studying.
The impact of play-based learning on my learners was truly remarkable. I noticed a significant increase in their creativity, problem-solving skills, and social skills. They were more engaged in the learning process and had a greater appreciation for the natural world.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this approach was watching my learners work together cooperatively. The flag-based reward system encouraged teamwork and collaboration, as learners realized that they were more likely to succeed if they worked together.
For me, play-based learning is a powerful tool for fostering creativity, problem-solving, and social skills in young children. By making learning fun and engaging, we can help learners develop a lifelong love of learning and a sense of wonder about the world around them.
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