Education
Child, Youth and Family Services
November 5, 2012

Play-Based Learning Highlighted During Play and Learn Week

The importance of play-based learning is being highlighted this week as schools offering Kindergarten to Grade 3 in this province participate in activities to mark Play and Learn Week (November 5-9). The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education, joined Kindergarten students and teachers at Mary Queen of the World Elementary school in Mount Pearl today (Monday, November 5) to see first-hand the types of playful learning activities that occur within the classroom.

“Play is an essential part of learning throughout childhood. Infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers first learn how to communicate, how to get along with others, and about the world they live in through playful interactions they have with their parents, siblings and others,” said Minister Jackman. “In the early years, and throughout the primary grades, children continue to learn through their imagination, problem-solving and creativity. Play and Learn Week promotes the importance of play to children’s learning and development – both at home and at school – and reinforces the fact that many of the curriculum concepts taught in primary grades can be delivered through play-based experiences.”

The Provincial Government has invested $100,000 in resources for students, parents and teachers to promote this play-based learning initiative. It is part of a three-year $4.8 million commitment to the province’s early childhood learning strategy, Learning from the Start, which is designed to enhance early learning opportunities for young children and their families.

The Department of Child, Youth and Family Services is a partner in the development of the Provincial Government’s early childhood learning initiatives.

“Play, every day, can stimulate healthy brain development, teach children valuable life skills and lessons, and support language, while encouraging social, emotional and cognitive development,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services. “Early childhood educators in regulated child care settings help promote these important concepts on a daily basis as a means of ensuring our children have a good start on the path of lifelong learning.”

Play and Learn Week coincides with the Provincial Government’s fall Power of Play campaign. For more information on Play and Learn Week, visit: www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/. Information on The Power of Play can be found at: www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/earlychildhood/power.html.

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2012 11 05                      10:15 a.m.