What is Play-based learning?

Children are naturally motivated to play. A play-based programme builds on this motivation, using play as a context for learning. In this context, children can explore, experiment, discover and solve problems in imaginative and playful ways.

A play-based approach involves both child-initiated and teacher-supported learning. The teacher encourages children’s learning and inquiry through interactions that aim to stretch their thinking to higher levels.

For example, while children are playing with blocks, a teacher can pose questions that encourage problem solving, prediction and hypothesising. The teacher can also bring the child’s awareness towards mathematics, science and literacy concepts, allowing them to engage with such concepts through hands-on learning.

In Our Lady of the Rosary we have been on our Play journey for the past 4 years.  We have fully embedded Play into Primary 1, creating learning experiences around the children’s interests whilst ensuring that attainment stays high.  We are now developing our Play journey into Primary 2,  building upon the foundations created in Primary 1 whilst ensuring that challenge and breadth are at the heart of our Play.

Our Play Journey