Play is often seen as a fun, carefree activity, separate from the more “serious” work of education. However, at deverelementaryschool.org , play is recognized as an essential component of learning. Through play, children develop critical thinking skills, foster creativity, enhance social-emotional abilities, and solidify academic concepts in a way that traditional instruction sometimes cannot. Dever Elementary has embraced the concept of play-based learning, integrating playful activities into the curriculum to create a dynamic and enriching educational environment. This approach reflects a growing understanding in educational research that play is not just a break from learning—it is learning.
The Educational Value of Play
Play is often dismissed as simply a way for children to burn off energy, but it plays a crucial role in a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. Educational experts agree that play promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. According to Principal Melissa Johnson, play allows children to “make sense of the world around them by exploring concepts in a hands-on, engaging way.”
At Dever Elementary, this philosophy is embedded in the classroom experience. Play-based learning is not confined to recess or free time but is interwoven into the academic day. Whether students are building structures with blocks to understand principles of physics or using role-play to explore social studies concepts, play allows students to engage deeply with the material. This method not only increases retention but also makes learning more enjoyable and meaningful.
Play-Based Learning in the Classroom
In many classrooms at Dever Elementary, traditional desks and rows have been replaced with flexible seating, activity centers, and open spaces that encourage movement and collaboration. The focus is on learning through doing, which often looks like play. For example, in the early grades, students engage in guided play, where teachers set up structured activities that align with learning objectives. A lesson on counting might involve students “shopping” for items at a mock grocery store, while a science lesson on plant growth might include planting seeds in a classroom garden.
Ms. Rebecca Taylor, a kindergarten teacher, uses play to introduce her students to early literacy and math concepts. “We have a ‘learning corner’ in the classroom where students can play with letter blocks, count beads, or role-play as characters in a story,” she explains. “They think they’re just playing, but they’re actually building foundational skills for reading, writing, and arithmetic.”
Even as students progress to higher grades, play continues to be an important part of the curriculum. In upper elementary grades, project-based learning is a common approach, where students work on creative projects that allow them to apply what they’ve learned in a playful, hands-on way. This might include designing a model of a historical monument, creating a board game that teaches math skills, or acting out scenes from a book they’ve read.
Play and Social-Emotional Development
At Dever Elementary, play is also recognized as an important tool for promoting social-emotional learning (SEL). Through play, children learn how to cooperate, resolve conflicts, share, and express themselves. These are crucial skills that help children build healthy relationships with their peers and navigate challenges both in and out of the classroom.
The school’s playground is more than just a space for physical activity; it’s a laboratory for social interaction. Recess periods are designed to give students opportunities to practice communication, teamwork, and empathy. The school also incorporates structured play activities, like group games and sports, that teach students how to collaborate and solve problems together.
Ms. Laura Martinez, a second-grade teacher, has seen the positive impact that play has on her students’ emotional growth. “When children play, they learn how to express their feelings, manage their emotions, and understand the perspectives of others,” she says. “I’ve noticed that my students are better able to handle frustration and are more empathetic toward their classmates because of the opportunities they have to practice these skills during play.”
In addition to free play and recess, Dever Elementary integrates SEL into the classroom through play-based activities like role-playing and storytelling. These activities help students explore different emotions and situations, giving them the tools to navigate real-life challenges. For example, a classroom activity might involve students role-playing different scenarios where they have to solve a conflict or express their feelings, helping them develop stronger emotional intelligence.
Play and Creativity
Another key benefit of play is its ability to foster creativity and imagination. Dever Elementary has made creativity a core component of its curriculum, recognizing that play provides the ideal environment for students to think outside the box and explore new ideas.
In art and music classes, play is an integral part of the creative process. Students are encouraged to experiment with different materials, sounds, and techniques to create something unique. The school’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) program also incorporates playful elements, allowing students to use their imagination as they design projects, build models, and solve engineering challenges.
Ms. Emily Sanders, the art teacher at Dever Elementary, emphasizes the importance of play in nurturing creativity. “When students are given the freedom to play with different mediums and explore their ideas without fear of failure, they come up with the most incredible and innovative creations,” she explains. “Play allows them to tap into their creativity in ways that structured assignments often can’t.”
This playful approach to creativity extends beyond the arts. In subjects like language arts, students might engage in creative writing activities where they play with words and ideas, or in science, they might conduct playful experiments that lead to unexpected discoveries.
Outdoor Play and Physical Development
Dever Elementary understands the importance of outdoor play in promoting physical health and development. The school’s outdoor spaces are designed to encourage active play, with playgrounds that include climbing structures, obstacle courses, and open fields for running and sports. These outdoor activities help students develop their gross motor skills, improve coordination, and promote overall fitness.
Outdoor learning is also a growing trend at Dever Elementary. Teachers take advantage of the school’s outdoor classrooms and gardens to provide students with opportunities to explore nature, engage in hands-on learning, and, of course, play. Lessons that take place outdoors might involve scavenger hunts, nature walks, or building shelters from natural materials, all of which blend learning with play in an outdoor setting.
Conclusion: Play as a Cornerstone of Learning
At Dever Elementary School, play is not just a break from learning—it is a vital part of the learning process. Through play, students develop academic skills, build social-emotional competencies, foster creativity, and enhance their physical health. The school’s commitment to integrating play into the curriculum reflects a deep understanding of the role that play has in supporting the whole child.
By embracing play-based learning, Dever Elementary is preparing its students not only to succeed academically but also to thrive as creative, empathetic, and well-rounded individuals. In an age where educational practices are constantly evolving, Dever Elementary’s recognition of the power of play sets it apart as a leader in innovative and student-centered education.
