Page 30 - FWG_Issue 6_2022

Ahead of the Game, Behind Every Child

WHY CHILDREN NEED TO PLAY

B Y ANGI BUY S, HEAD OF S T PETER’S PRE-PREP
G eorge Dorsey’s quote “Play is The engineers on the carpet are building

the beginning of knowledge,”
with blocks and are creating a small town,
beautifully
complete with bridges, tunnels, and roads.
the
expresses
explanation
around
insightful
the importance of play. Play and learning They are learning the important social skills
required to collaborate, share ideas and
cannot be viewed as two isolated concepts problem solve.
but rather that learning through play is
fundamental to how young children process The last space is occupied by a group of little
information and make sense of the world artists, painting a picture in relation to the
around them. theme they are discussing. Instead of directing
the children as to what the picture should
On entering a classroom that upholds look like, the teacher allows them to create
and honours play, your experience would their own masterpieces and this promotes a
invite you into a space where there is a sense of self-worth in their abilities and ideas.
kaleidoscope of activity, movement and
exploration. The joyful energy is tangible as Play is not the lack of structure but
you are welcomed by the sound of chatter, discovering the balance between child-led
and conversations are unfolding while the learning and teacher-supported roles.
children engage in age-appropriate and
concrete activities. As strong advocates of the importance of play
in young children’s education, our belief is
For enquiries or more information visit: A little group of chefs are making mud that school should be a place where children
www.stpeters.co.za Tel: 011 367 6631 pies in the mud kitchen. However, they are discover and explore through a variety of
For admissions information please contact doing so much more than that, as they are deep and meaningful play experiences
our Admissions Officer on 011 705 3423 or experimenting with measuring, quantities, that develop their curiosity and provide an
admissions@stpeters.co.za
105 Witkoppen Road, Paulshof, cause and effect, as well as putting early outlet for creativity. This will always lead to
Johannesburg mathematics into context. a lifelong desire to learn.

Fourways Gardens • 28 • July 2022