In our Preschool 1 class we have teacher-facilitated playtime. Playing allows children to develop oral language and oral language comprehension. It also provides children with an opportunity to use symbolic thinking and problem-solving skills. During play, children use props to symbolize experiences and create their imaginary world. Play is also a time for them to learn to relate to peers and work together. Recently the children played “restaurant”. They took turns taking orders, cooking and then serving. While some cooked and served, the others sat together at a table pretending to share a meal. Although I facilitated the playtime, I chose to observe them playing rather than joining in. This gave me an opportunity to watch them cooperating and sharing as well as talking to one another. The servers also pretended to write as they took orders from those at the table. As I observed, I could see the value of play as an important tool for learning.
~ Mrs. Christine
