PowerPoint Presentation
Sheri BrattstonBurnaby School District
August 30, 2015
Burnaby Start UP! Play is at the heart of childrens lives and
learning, preparing them for becoming worthy, productive citizens
of tomorrow today (Canadian Association for Young Children,
2001)
1Shape of the sessionWelcomeExplorations Image of the
ChildPlayPlayful InquiryShape of the DayRole of the Teacher
Hand out Play: what does it mean to me? Have students write out
their definition and then share it with a partner. Talk as a whole
group. 2ExplorationsDid you know
Children and adults have similar needs as learners. Both groups
derive important understandings about themselves and the world
around them For adults, hands-on-play and reflection lead to
personal growth and foster insight into how children learn.
(From Play to Practice; M.Nell, W.Drew, D. Bush; 2013;
NAEYC)
Lets Play!
Play: Set up explorations for students to move through. Think:
Think about the experience. What did you think, feel, or imagine?
Talk: Talk about your experience while playing. Do you think it
influences your work with children? 3Play, think, talk!Play!
Think about playing. What did you think, feel, or imagine?
Talk with a partner about your experience. Do you think your
experience with play influences your work with children?
After students have written about their experience etc, discuss
as a whole group. Relate back to what children must experience.
Play is valuable and important! 4What about your image of a
child
Have a look at this picture what do you see? What expectations
might you have of this child?
5And now
Same child now what do you see? What expectations might you have
of him now?
6Image of the childEach of us has our own image of a child that
influences our expectations
what children are or are not, what they have or do not have,what
they can do or cant do.
These positive or negative expectations can construct a context
that values or limits the qualities and potential of a child.
(Carlina Rinaldi; Gandini and Edwards, 2001; in Learning
Together with Young Children, Carter & Curtis, 2008, pg.
90)
7Lets thinkTake a moment to think about your image of a child Do
you agree or disagree that your image of a child can influence your
work with children?
Share your thoughts with a partner
So our own personal play experiences and our image of a child
can influence our work with children. Something to be aware of as
we work with children.8
Lets return to play On the handout provided brainstorm why play
is important. Next, share with a partner. Review and discuss as a
whole group.
9Why play?play builds knowledge and skills according to where
the child is developmentally
play brings all aspects of learning together
play that is self-directed, needs no external motivator
play is a social activity that forms the basis for participating
in a community
Handout Why Play for reference10Why play?play fosters
understanding and respect
play is the finest method of instruction for students who speak
English as a second language
play is a rich laboratory that can be used to teach multiple
concepts simultaneously
11Why play?play makes it possible to test new ideas and find out
what worksactive play selectively stimulates nerve growth in the
brain
during play the brain makes sense of itself through stimulation
and testing (play activity actually helps sculpt the brain) (Brown,
2009, pg. 34)
When we embrace play we restore joy and enthusiasm for teaching
and learning
(Primary Play, 2011, the Elementary Teachers Federation of
Ontario)
12Play & the
brainhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHwXlcHcTHcclick picture
YouTube: Stuart Brown, Serious Play: Watch up to Homer Simpson.
Have students capture an A-Ha moment. What intrigued them? Why is
play fundamental to brain growth and development? Discuss. 13
Play & the brainAccording to Brown (2009), play is a
profound biological process. It has evolved over eons in many
animal species to promote survival. It shapes the brain and makes
animals smarter and more adaptable. It fosters empathy and makes
possible complex social groups. Play lies at the core of creativity
and innovation. We are built to play and built through play.
(Play, How it Shapes the Brain Opens the Imagination, and
Invigorates the Soul, pg. 5)Show Stuart Browns book14Lets read
Please take a moment to read through your section of Holding on to
Play: Reflecting on Experiences as a Playful K-3 Teacher by Lisa D.
Wood.
When you finish reading discuss your section with your group.
Now, as the expert on your section share the information with your
colour match Share what you read Does the article change your
thinking?15Gallery Walk
Now that we have looked at play in GREAT detail, lets think
about the features of a well-developed, play-based program! As we
move through the gallery walk have students think about play and
learning. 16Gallery Walk
17Gallery Walk
18Gallery Walk
Review the chart paper. Go over the features of a
well-developed, play-based program during the next few
slides.19Lets writeWhat do you notice? What are the features of a
well developed play-based program? What would it look like/sound
like?
Have participants in 2 groups with 1 piece of chart paper each.
Review the picture from the virtual gallery walk and have students
record what aspects they see with regards to a well-developed,
play-based program (looks like, sounds like etc.) 4 slides.
20Features of a well-developed play-based programlarge blocks of
time for play-based learning
rich, open-ended, hands-on materials (preferably natural) that
stimulate curiosity and exploration
a variety of play spaces for different purposes
a variety of activities happening simultaneously
21Features of a well-developed play-based programlots of talk
among children
early literacy and numeracy connections embedded in play
experiences
limited amounts of time in situations involving large-group
direct instruction
learning projects initiated by children and supported/extended
by the teacher and children together
22Features of a well-developed play-based programhome-school
communications that highlight childrens learning in action
learning opportunities that connect school with community
23The wonder of learningImagine children who continually
question why things look and function the way that they do. Where
their natural sense of wonder is at the centre of their learning
and informs the direction it will take.
(Natural Curiosity: A Resource for Teachers, University of
Toronto, pg. 1)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0mCy9asVk0
Play the video. Have participants pay close attention to how
childrens innate curiosity is being nurtured. Ask participants what
they notice about the children in the video (engagement,
participation, attentions, 24Embracing play in the classroom
One way to nurture curiosity is through playful-inquiry and
inquiry-based learning25Playful inquiryPlayful inquiry invites the
influence of adults. It is an inquisitive stance towards learning
in which adults facilitate learning by observing, listening,
encouraging, and wondering together with children. During playful
inquiry the adult does not control the experience so the childs
mind is open to learn.
(Sarah Orleans, Portland Childrens Museum)
Like play inquiry builds on childrens innate curiosity and sense
of wonder! 26And, inquiry-based learningInquiry-based learning is a
process of intellectual activity that naturally builds on childrens
innate curiosity and sense of wonder. Children are engaged in
activities that help them actively pose questions, investigate,
solve problems,draw conclusions about the world,become
researchers,and do meaningful work.
(Full Day Kindergarten Program Guide, British Columbia, p.
19)
Like play inquiry builds on childrens innate curiosity and sense
of wonder! Hand out the scholastic inquiry process. What does it
look like?27Benefits of inquiry-based learningBenefits of
inquiry-based learning
stimulates curiosity increases motivationimproves
understandingfosters a love of learningleads to deeper questions
& critical thinkingtranscends content masteryevokes higher
levels of engagementbuilds lifelong learning skills
(Natural Curiosity: A Resource for Teachers, University of
Toronto, pg. 1)
So, the benefits of inquiry based learning are as above28Inquiry
through invitations
Fiona will cover29Shape of the day
Examine the full day k plan providedCompare/contrast to what
your current plan looks likeIn table groups talk about how you can
create a day plan that flows for your children and meets your
program goals
What questions arise?
Review the chart paper. Go over the features of a
well-developed, play-based program during the next few
slides.30Shape of the dayOutdoor Explorations Grab your bin and
head outdoors
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32Shape of the dayQuiet activity timeShhhhhhh Im relaxing my
body and my mind!
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34Role of the teacherWhat about me?
As teachers how can we provide opportunities for playful
inquiry? What is our role?
Create groups. On chart paper have each group make a list What
is our role? The role of the teacher is35Role of the teacherThe
role of the teacher is to
create an environment of hands-on, open investigationhelp
children articulate their questions and learning ask open-ended
questions help children make sense of discoveriesoffer supportive
promptsshare and reflect discoveries
(Primary Play, 2011, the Elementary Teachers Federation of
Ontario, pg.43)
36Role of the teacher Ask yourselfWhat are the children
interested in?What are they doing well?What are their
understandings/misconceptions?How do they use language?What do they
do when faced with a problem?How do they apply what they know?What
connections are they making? By attending to the process, content
can be dealt with in a meaningful context.
(Primary Play, 2011, the Elementary Teachers Federation of
Ontario, pg.45)
37Questions/Comments
38Thank You!Enjoy your evening!
39