Learning Through Play

The Kindergarten learning program provides many opportunities for child-initiated play supported by engaged and intentional teachers, in balance with focused experiential inquiry guided by teachers. 1

Play and Learning centers with interesting materials offer children experiences of wonder. Learning centers are implemented for the purpose of exploring new ideas and concepts, providing strategic instruction or giving time to practice and consolidate new learning.  While at learning centers, children learn through play, make their own inquiries and further develop their independence in making choices, problem solving, time management and personal responsibility.

Kindergarten classrooms promote:

• free play and children’s choice

• teacher interaction with students during play either in small groups or individually

• development of strong oral language skills by encouraging talking, questioning and drawing conclusions as part of the learning occurring at play centers and in every learning experience throughout the day

• many opportunities to write, count and represent

1. Manitoba Education and Advanced Learning:  A Time for Learning, A Time for Joy – A resource for Kindergarten Teachers, 2015. Page 4.