Play-Based Learning in the Early Years — Transcript

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1. 0:05In the Early Years at the International School of Luxembourg,
2. 0:08we believe that young children learn best through play,
3. 0:11curiosity and meaningful relationships.
4. 0:14Our approach is play-based and inquiry-led,
5. 0:17grounded in the principles of the IB Primary Years Program (PYP)
6. 0:20and inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy.
7. 0:24So what does that mean?
8. 0:25Play-based, inquiry-led learning places play at the heart of learning and children
9. 0:31at the center of the experience.
10. 0:34Children explore ideas that matter
11. 0:36to them through many different kinds of play: imaginative play,
12. 0:40construction, sensory exploration, physical movement and collaborative games.
13. 0:47Some play is freely chosen and child-led,
14. 0:49allowing children to follow their own ideas and interests.
15. 0:53Other play is intentionally guided by our teachers,
16. 0:57who thoughtfully introduce materials, provocations, or questions
17. 1:02that deepen thinking and extend the learning. Through play,
18. 1:06children ask questions, test theories, take risks,
19. 1:10and make meaning in ways that are joyful and deeply engaging.
20. 1:14For children aged 3 to 5,
21. 1:15this is the most powerful way to learn. At this stage of development,
22. 1:20children learn through their bodies,
23. 1:22their senses, and their relationships with others.
24. 1:25Purposeful play supports the development of language,
25. 1:28early literacy, numeracy and problem- solving skills, and emotional regulation.
26. 1:34Through both independent and shared play experiences,
27. 1:36children learn how to collaborate, negotiate, persist,
28. 1:40reflect and develop strong sense of self,
29. 1:43skills that form the foundation for lifelong learning. In our classrooms,
30. 1:48the teachers role is intentional and responsive.
31. 1:51Teachers carefully balance when to step in and when to step back.
32. 1:55They observe closely, listen deeply,
33. 1:57and join children's play as co-learners,
34. 2:00asking thoughtful questions, modeling language and offering new possibilities
35. 2:05that extend learning without interrupting the children's agency.
36. 2:10Learning is documented and reflected upon,
37. 2:12ensuring each child's thinking and growth is valued and visible.
38. 2:17The environment plays a vital role in supporting play and inquiry.
39. 2:21Often described as the third teacher,
40. 2:24our learning spaces are calm and engaging and purposeful.
41. 2:29Open ended materials invite creativity and experimentation,
42. 2:33while thoughtfully designed spaces encourage different types of play,
43. 2:38quiet, active, collaborative and reflective,
44. 2:43the environment communicates respect for children, the ideas
45. 2:47and the learning process. Through rich, meaningful, play-based inquiry,
46. 2:52children develop not only strong academic foundations,
47. 2:56but also confidence, empathy,
48. 2:59resilience, and a genuine love of learning,
49. 3:03preparing them to thrive in school and in life.