Term 1 has begun with the introduction of a new initiative in Wai-iti during Inquiry sessions that involve a play-based learning approach. We have a Play Lab, Project Lab and Outdoor Lab. The kaiako in our team plan a wide variety of activities for the tamariki to explore, discover and problem solve. The tamariki have the choice of what excites them as learners.

This term we have focused on Plants and Critters. An example of our labs has been in the Project Lab the tamariki have researched flowers and then gone to the Outdoor Lab pictured below to plant their flowers. They have used the Seesaw app to research and record findings about bugs, developed digital fluency by using Stop Motion to record a bug moving to its home. Our Play Lab has a variety of activities where tamariki learn through play and create things such as; making bugs out recyclable materials, creating bugs out of lego, mindfulness colouring in of flowers/bugs. Building and labelling flowers and bugs. The Outdoor Lab has the opportunity to learn new games, water play, hula hoops and many other activities. 

It has been rewarding to observe our tamariki developing social skills(relating to others) through play, turn taking and developing many other key competencies such as; managing self and problem solving.

Ngā mihi nui

Mel Scarlett

What is learning through play? https://nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz/Curriculum-resources/NZC-Online-blog/Learning-through-play-What-s-it-all-about

"Learning through play is a pedagogical approach where play is the valued mode of learning – where children can explore, experiment, discover, and solve problems in imaginative and playful ways. Learning through play is also called play-based learning."

What are the benefits of learning through play?https://nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz/Curriculum-resources/NZC-Online-blog/Learning-through-play-What-s-it-all-about

"Learning through play can help schools realise the vision of The New Zealand Curriculum to develop confident, connected, actively involved, lifelong learners. Almost all of the values and key competencies in The New Zealand Curriculum can be developed through play-based learning. A range of learning areas can be explored with connections made across learning areas as well as to home practices and the wider world."