The Importance of Learning Through Play
Fewer Opportunities for Playful Activities
As we are moving forward with technological progress, it becomes more noticeable that our kids have fewer opportunities to engage in active play. In other words, children spend less time learning through play. Some examples of playful activities include storytelling, painting, singing, exploring, dancing, pretending, and imagining. Above all, playful learning is a very important part of early childhood education and development. It is something that adults have an obligation to provide for their kids. Art and movement-based programs for kids are great ways to introduce playful activities in childcare, school, or homeschooling learning environment.
Jessica Smock talks about the importance of learning through play and why kids deserve a preschool that lets them play. She does a great job explaining the benefits of enrolling children in schools that understand that play.
The Benefits of Active Play and its Impact on Academic Skills
An extensive body of research claims the gains of extra-curricular activities translate into improvements in academic skills.
According to the article written by Sam Alhadeff, published in Cornell Policy Review, “Involvement in these activities could have dramatic impacts on the future success of individuals and allow children and adolescents to develop an identity, interact with peers, and experience following orders from an adult role model. Examples of socio-behavioral skills developed through EA participation include non-cognitive skills – e.g., attentiveness, task persistence, independence, and eagerness to learn – and social skills – peer-to-peer interaction, respect for authority, and teamwork. An extensive body of research claims the gains of EAs are found in these socio-behavioral skills, which then translate into improvements in academic skills.”
Enrichment Programs for Kids & Learning Through Play
In conclusion, Enrichment Programs offer amazing high energy activities that focus on movement, arts, and team building. It is a great opportunity for children to learn through play, explore, and discover their talents. Participation in extra-curricular clubs reinforces creative learning as a tool to initiate improvements in academic skills.
