Being a parent, you will always strive to provide the best for your little one’s education. However, you may have certain concerns when we speak about play-based learning.
In other systems, academic achievement is strengthened right from the elementary schools.
Meanwhile, kindergarten in Japan considers play as the key to solid education based on play. Let’s explore why!
The Importance of Play-Based Learning in Kindergarten
[1] The Benefits of Play
Frequently, play is not only considered as an entertaining activity. It is one of the most valuable resources in the world. This can be used to make learning entertaining for children in kindergarten. Here are some key areas where this type of learning shines
[a] Social and Emotional Development
Children who play together learn very important skills, including sharing and solving problems. They also learn about the emotions of others as they simulate through role-playing in a certain situation during play.
[b] Cognitive Development
Playing pretend allows the child to try out concepts, develop creative solutions to problems, and improve cognition. They can learn by playing with blocks and coming up with stories. This contributes to cause and effect, spatial and language development.
[c] Physical Development
Japan elementary schools and their curriculum enable the child to learn activities that require large muscles, such as running, jumping, and climbing. It also enhances their motor skills when they use their hands to draw, cut something or use manipulatives.
[2] The Daily Routine of a Kindergarten in Japan
Thus, let us imagine a standard day in our kindergarten in Japan and turn the vision into reality. Here is a glimpse:
[a] Morning Activities
Normally, free play is the first activity in the day whereby children get to make their own decisions on what they would like to do. This could be constructing structures using blocks or the use of dramatic objects such as costumes and puppets.
[b] Circle Time
It’s time for circle time when we can sing, listen to stories or even discuss something together. It enhances their listening as well as communication skills.
[c] Structured Activities
During the day, teachers can come up with different and brief activities related to themes or certain objectives. This could entail creating art, conducting scientific investigations, or playing in natural settings.
[d] More Play!
Free play continues indoors and outdoors during other parts of the day at the centre and home. This can motivate children to return to certain activities, reinforce knowledge, and share ideas.
[3] The Japan Elementary School Advantage
The decision to have play-based learning in kindergarten in Japan is the best ground that we lay for your child’s future academic achievement. Here is what you can expect:
[a] Confident and Engaged Learners
Play contributes to the attitude towards learning that learners take to their elementary schools and even later in their lives. They build character and become capable of coming up with ideas, asking questions and approaching issues.
[b] Strong Social Skills
Many people do not understand, but play can help a child develop important social skills. These are necessary for school and further in life. They have to improve their speaking skills and come up with ways how to understand the feelings of others.
[c] Continuous Learning
Play-based learning in a Japan elementary school allows children to adopt discovery and exploration as part of their play activities. Most importantly, this kind of motivation forms the groundwork for individual development throughout one’s life.
To Sign Off
Parents and teachers should form a strong team, as they are the two main influential factors that shape children. Please feel free to ask any questions regarding the program in a Japan elementary school and the role that play has in it.
Finally, together, we can provide your child with the necessary conditions for his or her development, which include a caring and stimulating environment.
