Completing worksheets at a desk may seem like the proper way to ensure that learning outcomes are met, but research has shown that something else contributes significantly to a child’s early cognitive, social, and emotional development: Play.
Rather than only posing close-ended questions, a well-rounded playgroup in Singapore introduces a play-based curriculum full of explorative and fun hands-on activities, teaching children lifelong learning behaviours that the “drill and kill” approach cannot match.
When your child is playing, he or she is not merely whiling the time away. In a play-based curriculum for playgroups in Singapore, children actively identify problems, explore solutions, work in teams, and grow their understanding of the way the world works.
Play is an efficient way of learning
Play ensures that children learn with joy. According to a Finnish saying, “Those things you learn without joy you will easily forget.” That is why, in a play-based playgroup curriculum, play is an efficient way of remembering the key foundations and skills that prepare your child for primary school.
There are two kinds of play: free and unstructured play, which fosters imagination and creativity; as well as crafted play, in which children are guided toward a learning outcome in their numeracy, language, literacy, science, or social skills. Both kinds of play are important.
At MindChamps, children may learn about vegetables and plants by growing, watering, and observing their own plants from seeds. Through this hands-on experiment, the Champs are actually making scientific discoveries. And because it is a crafted play-based process, they are more likely to remember what they learned.
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Movement is a powerful teaching tool that enhances memory
Movement can boost one’s memory capacity, according to cognitive research.
Studies show that movement-based activities allow children the freedom to articulate new ideas with confidence, overcome uncertainty and shyness, and interact with the world around them with poise and thoughtful exploration.
In MindChamps’ NeuroMooves programme, children connect concepts to action. Rather than spending hours in a stuffy, passive environment, children are given plenty of gym time and opportunities to improve their gross motor skills and coordination while learning through trial and error. Through cross-lateral movements, team-building exercises, stretches and enactments, children use their bodies as a tool for learning so that they are “living” the lesson.
Related: 8 Ways a Chinese Playgroup in Singapore Differs From The Norm
Problem-solving skills are boosted in playgroups in Singapore
Problem-solving is not just done on paper. To prepare your child to thrive in the modern economy, look for a playgroup in Singapore that promotes problem-solving in teams.
Whether it is through working on projects in groups, reenacting a story scene during Creative and Theatrical Strategies, or engaging in pretend play together at the multi-sensory learning zones, champs learn how to cooperate, manage conflict, and take on various scenarios and solutions.
A well-rounded playgroup should foster foundation skills that underpin your child’s social and intellectual growth throughout childhood and into adulthood. A play-based playgroup curriculum is ideal because it encourages joy in learning, physical movement, and teamwork skills. In short, it prepares your child to be the leader of tomorrow.