activity based learning

1. Activity
Based
Learning
ECE
Session 5

2. O. Fred Donaldson
Play Specialist
“Children learn as they play.
Most importantly, in play
children learn how to learn.”

3. What are these
children doing?

17. And you are right - because these children
were doing all of these things.
Some of you may have answered:
• they are playing;
• they are learning about their world;
• they are investigating;
• they are exploring.

18. What Does Play Look Like?
The most learning can occur in uninterrupted child-led free play.

19. Click to edit text – body size 18 -
minimum size 16 (only to be used
if really needed)
interesting
for them
Play can be any
activity, imaginary
or with toys, that is:
chosen by them fun for them
something they
want to do
What
is Play?

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minimum size 16 (only to be used
if really needed)
Play is when children choose what they want to do and are motivated by
their own interests. They don't do it to get something from someone
else, but because it's fun and important for them. Playing is a very
important part of growing up and being healthy.
What
is Play?

21. Children Have the
Right to Play
Children have the right to take a break
and have fun, and to participate in
activities that are suitable for their age.

22. Why
Should
Children
Play?
Play is essential
for developing:
cognitive skills
social
interaction
physical skills
imagination creativity
emotional
regulation
communication
skills
resilience wellbeing

23. Why Learn through Play?
Young children naturally explore and learn through play. Play is a fun, motivating and
meaningful way to learn. It enables children to learn at their own level and pace while
making connections.
Learning through play can also provide continuity across early level between nursery
and Primary 1 and help to support transitions.

24. Types of Learning through Play
Adult-Led or
Active Learning
Adult-led play, sometimes called
Active Learning, is initiated and
directed by the adult. Specific
learning intentions are planned for
by the adult.
Free Play or
Child-Lead Play
Free play or child-led play is
entirely initiated and directed by
the child. The adult’s role is to
observe and interact if the
opportunity arises to extend
learning, following the child’s
interests.

25. The Role of the
Adult during Play
The adult will:
observe the child playing;
interact with the child and participate in their play when appropriate;
challenge the child’s thinking by commenting, modelling, pondering
and questioning;
add resources to extend and deepen learning;
plan activities, next steps and evaluate learning.

26. Benefits of Activity-Based
Learning
Activity-Based Learning has innumerable benefits, especially
in early childhood development. Let us comb through some of
its benefits:

27. It encourages children to
be inquisitive and
independent. It helps them
to think analytically. It
kindles their curiosity
which in turn makes them
active and not passive. The
children become
more observant. Its focus is
on ‘learning by doing’
method.
Inquisitive And
Independent

28. It supports the development of social
skills. It improves their confidence,
tests their cooperation levels when in
groups, and builds their
communication skills. The children
learn to challenge themselves and
come up with creative solutions.
Social Skills

29. It enhances memory. This is true even for adults and not just children.
Anything we do, we remember for a longer period, than anything we
read or listen to. The retention and recall rates are undoubtedly better
with activity-based learning.
Enhances Memory

30. It encourages them to express themselves
freely. Activity-based learning helps
children get in touch with their emotions
and convey them.
Express Themselves

31. Continuous engagement. This is perhaps the most significant benefit. As
opposed to classroom teaching, activity-based learning faces no threat
of inattention. Since the children are actively involved at every step,
they cannot stray away.
Continuous Engagement.

32. Ability variability: This feature is hugely
leveraged by activity-based learning. Not
all children can grasp things at the same
time or pace or degree.
Each child is unique, even in their ability
to learn. Activity-based learning promotes
learning at the pace of each child, thus
eliminating the stress of time or pace at
which they learn.
Ability Variability

33. Motivation: Unquestionably, each child feels a sense of accomplishment
in performing each activity. They feel motivated by each of their
achievements. This enhances their confidence to believe in their abilities.
Motivation