by Sue Adair
Leading preschool chain shares the power of playful learning with children around the nation
Over the last two decades, children have lost eight hours of unstructured playtime in their week. Since 2002, 34% of kindergartens have eliminated recess. This trend of cutting back on playtime may have more negative effects than most parents are aware of. Although the debate on whether rigorous academic learning or play-based learning is more effective rages on, recent studies have shown playful learning has many positive, lasting effects unmatched by academic-based learning.
“When compared to academically-based preschool programs, children in play-based programs outperform the other group socially and academically by the time they reach the fourth grade,” said Kyle D. Pruett M.D., a child psychiatrist, published author, and advisor to The Goddard School®.
In a study conducted by psychologist Rebecca Maron of the University of North Florida, 1,200 toddlers and preschoolers were followed to measure the long-term academic effects of play-based learning vs. academic-based learning. The results strongly show the play-based learners outperforming the academic group both socially and academically by 4th grade. These findings support the claim that play-based learning increases a child’s ability to both learn abstract concepts and interact with peers.
Supported by a growing body of research from Play for Tomorrow, the consortium behind the respected “playful learning” movement, The Goddard School believes in and supports the power of play for learning and has incorporated the concept into their proprietary FLEX™ Learning Program. Playful learning is not a new concept at The Goddard School. It has been at the heart of their curriculum from the beginning, reflected in an approach to learning that presents new skills to children in a playful and engaging way.
Research has shown many lifelong benefits of learning through play, including an increased ability to learn from mistakes, develop independent decision making and fine-tuning of children’s physical development and perceptual motor skills.
“Young children who learn through play are more capable of making their own decisions, advocating for themselves and using creativity to solve problems as they grow. Play is essential to the development of your child’s brain, triggering trillions of neural connections that form the basis of healthy cognitive function and mastery of your child’s physical world,” says Dr. Pruett.
To further support these learning techniques, The Goddard School has launched a system-wide initiative, the Goddard Community Games event, on February 5. During the event, families in schools across the country will have the opportunity to enjoy a “hands-on” playful learning experience with a variety of programs, ranging from Sign Language, Yoga and Nutrition to World Cultures Voyages, Everyday Math and “Rock ‘n’ Tot” pre-dance and creative movement. The focus will be on fun, as parents and their children share in a day of discovery and enrichment.
“The children attending The Goddard School today are the leaders of tomorrow,” says Sue Adair, Director of Education at Goddard Systems, Inc., franchisor of The Goddard School. “Our teachers nurture each child’s self confidence and foster their lifelong love of learning by incorporating teacher-planned and child-directed learning activities into each day. When children enjoy learning, they take away not only knowledge of the task or concept but a sense of personal accomplishment that prepares them for a successful journey through life.”
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