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!

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