Play is a child’s natural way of exploring the world we live in. Developmentally, play covers all aspects of learning – physical, social, emotional and cognitive.

Play provides learning opportunities that are multi-sensory, interactive, creative and imaginative. Through play, children are not only learning about the activity or working towards an outcome, they are engaging with each other, negotiating, sorting out arguments and establishing friendships.

They imagine, explore and invent. It is through taking risks, discovering new ideas and putting these ideas into action that learning takes place.

Why is it important?

The New Zealand Curriculum identifies and values the Key Competencies. All of these can be developed through play-based learning. With recent developments in neurological research, play has been confirmed as the most behaviourally, biologically and developmentally appropriate education to promote healthy childhood development.

Values

At Te Puru School, our values are Whanaungatanga, Tū Kaha, Kaitiakitanga, Manaakitanga and Arohatanga. All of these values are observed during our learning through play. Whanaungatanga is when our tamariki are including others and welcoming others into their play. Tū Kaha is demonstrated when children are problem solving and persevering when challenges appear. Manaakitanga and Arohatanga are when compassion and kindness are shown to ourselves and others. Kaitiakitanga is our over reaching value and in our inquiry and learning we look to how we can make help in our environment and make sustainable change.

Relationships

Learning through play is centred around building relationships and creating connections. Play can be individual or involve many; allowing communication skills to inherently happen alongside play. This in turn builds enduring relationships with children and adults alike.

At Te Puru School we believe that our tamariki learn best through play, and it aligns with our values as mentioned previously. Play provides authentic opportunities to explore our world, encourages creativity, communication and innovation. Learning through play involves noticing and providing opportunities for students to explore their wonderings through provocations.