The Importance Of Play Based Learning

In the ever growing field of Early Childhood Education, we have come to know that play based learning is on a steady incline, however, this style of learning does not go past the kindergarten classes. Due to the sudden halt in this program children are not able to fully experience everything that play based learning has to offer. This is why the play based learning philosophy that is incorporated into full day learning in kindergarten should be extended through to grade 6.
Traditionally classes were taught simply with paper and pencil, play based learning was not a concept that was known. In the 1990’s and early 2000’s Ontario went through a stage where it was solely focused on the importance of academic learning. In 2010, Ontario changed its focus and brought to the forefront play based learning. They believed that through play children would learn more. “Play based learning is one of the best promoters of self-regulation in young children, we know how important it is for us to be able to regulate our emotions …show more content…
This form of play also allows children to work through their own emotions. Priessler indicated, “Pretend play bridges the gap between real events in the changing world and imagination within one’s head”. (Priessler 6) Older children are also suffering from this lack of play as well. Middle schoolers are under increased pressure from the constant workload of school assignments and homework. Due to this increase in workload the children are not able to take in the events of the day. With all these signs that point to how well play based learning works for kindergarten students, why do we stop this from moving further into the school system when it is so beneficial to other students as well. Putting this form of teaching into later school years up to the sixth grade means that children will have more acquired skills for later in their