Can Play really be enough?

Play is enough.

Often when explaining self-directed learning and play-based learning, the first question people ask is, “what about the academics?” The academics come through play!

Each child is so uniquely different. Early childhood (through age 8) is a time when the brain grows and develops more rapidly than any other time of life. There are many life factors beyond the reach of the teacher or classroom. As the teacher, I can’t expect each child is ready to learn the same thing on the same day. Growth is not linear.

Photo: Annie Friday

This child had collected some treasures. Then she started splitting them up into groups. Then we started playing games with the groups. Then we built paper boxes so she could house these treasures. Then her friends came over and started making paper boxes too.

In this experience, we talked math skills including subitizing, addition and subtraction, spatial awareness, and geometry. She used fine motor and gross motor skills. She employed social skills. This was a moment of impactful and meaningful learning for this child. It was all because she was ready for it, not because it was on my agenda for the day. I did not teach her, but rather I was there to help facilitate her learning. She led the way.

Photo taken with child’s consent while on Peoria and Odawa land.