Play Based Learning in Early Childhood Education

Erin Westgate, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in SLS

Completing my capstone project on play-based learning in Early Childhood Education has been deeply informative and rewarding. I was able to dive deeper into these benefits for young children and grow a deeper understanding of how children grow, learn, and think. I also have a deeper appreciation for educators who already prioritize play in learning after seeing how impactful it is on young children. Play creates a safe and engaging environment for children to succeed and learn, as well as fosters cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.

 I chose to write about this topic as I thought it would be beneficial for me to learn more   information about the impact that it has on young children. I am going to be an early   childhood education teacher, and I wanted to learn how I could incorporate this learning   method into my future classroom. I had learned a little about play-based learning in a few of   college classes and the benefits of it intrigued me.

 Being a paraprofessional for the NYCDOE, I often did not see a lot of play-based learning in   classrooms other than pre-k and sometimes kindergarten. I believe that with all the   requirements and the curriculum that our city is choosing to implement in schools, it is hard   for teachers to find the time or space to incorporate play-based learning. However, after   completing this capstone, I think more educators and school leaders need to prioritize play   in school, especially when we are able to see the benefits of this approach in other   countries  who use it.

 Play serves as a natural way for children to explore and better understand the world around   them. When children engage in meaningful, self-directed play, they are having fun but also   developing critical thinking and language skills, collaboration, and problem solving.

 As I move further into my career as a teacher, I am excited to apply what I learned through   this capstone into my future classroom and create an environment that fosters creativity,   curiosity, and exploration for young children.