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Dear Ox Ridge Families,
I’m excited to share an important update regarding our approach to early childhood education. Our kindergarten teachers have recently been engaging in professional learning centered around play-based learning, and we are thrilled to begin rolling this model out in their classrooms. While we are starting in kindergarten, I truly believe this approach will eventually make its way through all grades, enriching the educational experience for every student at Ox Ridge School.
What is Play-Based Learning?
Play-based learning is exactly what it sounds like learning that happens through play. While it may appear simple on the surface, play is a powerful tool for cognitive and emotional development. This approach allows children to explore, discover, and make sense of the world around them in a way that feels natural and engaging.
Children learn best when they are motivated and joyful, and play naturally fosters both. During play-based learning, students build crucial skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. Teachers are present to guide the process, ensuring that learning objectives are met while children engage in activities that stimulate curiosity, imagination, and creativity.
The Research Behind Play-Based Learning
Play-based learning is not just a trend it is backed by decades of research in child development and education.
• Cognitive Development: According to studies by renowned educational psychologist Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, children in play-based environments develop stronger language, executive function, and problem-solving skills than those in traditional settings. Her research suggests that when children engage in self-directed play, they build foundational skills for academic success in areas like reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Social-Emotional Growth: Dr. Stuart Brown, a leading researcher on play, has shown that play helps children develop key social skills such as cooperation, negotiation, and empathy. In play-based environments, children learn to regulate their emotions, manage conflict, and collaborate with their peers all of which are crucial for long-term social-emotional health.
• Long-Term Academic Success: A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children who engage in higher levels of play, particularly unstructured play, tend to have stronger academic outcomes in later grades. The research indicates that when children play, they develop creativity, critical thinking, and perseverance skills that have been directly linked to better performance in subjects like math and reading.
• Whole-Child Development: The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) advocates for play-based learning as a critical component of early childhood education. Their research highlights that play helps children engage in deeper learning, retain information more effectively, and approach challenges with confidence and resilience.
Why Play-Based Learning?
Academic Outcomes: Research consistently shows that play-based learning supports cognitive development in ways that traditional methods may not. When children are actively engaged in play, they are developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, experimenting with new ideas, and building language and math foundations all of which are key academic building blocks. The unstructured nature of play encourages children to think outside the box and approach challenges with confidence.
Social-Emotional Growth: Play-based learning is not just about academics it also plays a vital role in social-emotional development. Through play, children learn to collaborate, negotiate, and empathize with others. They practice self-regulation as they take turns and navigate social interactions. These experiences build the emotional intelligence that helps children develop strong relationships and resilience in the face of challenges.
Fostering Independence and Curiosity: By giving children the space to direct their own play, they learn independence and self-motivation. Curiosity drives their exploration, helping them become lifelong learners who are not afraid to ask questions and seek out solutions.
The Future of Play-Based Learning at Ox Ridge
While this initiative is currently being introduced in kindergarten, we believe the virtues of play-based learning are beneficial for all students. As we observe its success, we will explore ways to incorporate these methods into higher grade levels, ensuring that play remains a cornerstone of learning throughout a student’s academic journey.
I encourage you to support this model by encouraging play at home as well. Whether it’s through building with blocks, imaginative role-playing, or collaborative games, you can help foster the same skills that will benefit your child both in and out of the classroom.
We look forward to seeing how play-based learning enhances our students’ academic achievement and social-emotional development. Thank you for your continued support as we work to provide the best possible educational experience for all of our students.
Warm regards,
Chris Melillo
Principal, Ox Ridge School
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