FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

Play IS learning.

In addition to all the physical and mental health benefits that come from being active outdoors in play, the learning and development opportunities expand exponentially, especially when time is spent meaningfully* engaging with the natural world.

Through play, children make sense of their lives and the world around them. Within the space of authentic play outdoors, children engage deeply in all the domains of learning:

  • Social & Emotional Development
    ex: a group of children construct a stick-fence around a freshly sprouted Fir tree in the spring, so their active play won’t harm the seedling

  • Approaches to Learning
    ex: a student gathers 3 small sticks, “dresses” them in blades of grass and fallen leaves, and then proceeds to act out an interaction between them

  • Physical Development
    ex: running, building, climbing, balancing, using tools, putting on/taking off mittens, jackets, hats, and boots

  • Cognitive Development
    ex: a child counts the number of Alder cones they’ve gathered, then adds the number of Fir and Pine cones they’ve found to the collection

  • Language & Literacy
    ex: students identify letters in the sticks they find along the trail
    ”Hey, this looks like a ‘J’ for Jerome!”

As active observers and facilitators of play, we can notice all the learning that’s happening and document it. Documenting children’s learning is essential for so many reasons. Foremost, it helps us better prepare to meet the individual needs of our students; whether that’s in noticing who needs support with communication, or who needs support with counting, or who needs support with climbing, observation & documentation provide us with valuable information. When we are actively observing play and documenting the learning that happens in that space, we can also help others (those who say they “just see kids playing”) to #seethelearning, too.

* to engage meaningfully means building a
relationship with place and the other living
beings that live there, the more-than-humans,
and recognizing both their intrinsic worth, as well
as the fact that we are part of the natural world.

  • Active observation of play allows you to #seethelearning and capture it, so others can see it, too.

    Use this Documentation of Learning form to notice and note all the learning your students are engaging in while they play.

REFLECTION

  • Some of the games teachers played as children may have caused kids to be “out” and sitting on the sidelines. See how you can update your favorite childhood game to be more inclusive.

  • It’s probably more than you think(!) and, remember, it is recommended that children spend less than 2 hours a day in front of screens.

  • Here’s a hint:

    It’s more than double what’s recommended for adults.

  • Consider how you’re going to communicate this information. Perhaps it’s in a fun informative graphic in your class newsletter, or in a meeting with the leadership at your school or program. And don’t forget the printable poster linked below.

“Children cannot bounce off the walls if we take away the walls.”
— Erin Kenny, Founder, The Cedarsong Way

Get the most out of this course by exploring the Additional Resources in each Lesson!