The POWER of Sports Play in the Inquiry-Based Program
The Power of Play, Inquiry-Based Learning, Physical Activity and Sports
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What is an Inquiry-Based Learning Model?
Inquiry-based learning is an effective educational approach that leverages the surrounding environment, promotes active teacher involvement, and requires thoughtful classroom organization and planning to empower children in developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. One of the main goals is for children to absorb and apply knowledge related to their individual interests and to independently and collaboratively seek solutions to their own thought-provoking questions. It's no surprise that play and inquiry go hand in hand so beautifully. Play sparks curiosity, laying the groundwork for inquiry, where children take the lead in
questioning and exploring their interests and the information around them. From the child’s perspective, this type of learning encourages them to go beyond their natural curiosity and think outside the box, making learning more enjoyable.
What is Play?
The play of childhood is voluntary and spontaneous, driven by the child's inherent motivation. Play is not just a natural way of learning but also a crucial factor in a child's development. In play, children are empowered with the experience of wonder that ignites a natural drive to explore, discover and learn. Essentially, play represents the meaningful and constructive work of childhood, shaping their cognitive, emotional, and social development in significant ways.
Active Play and Sports in an Inquiry Based Program, and Why it Matters
The benefits of Active Play have been well studied. When engaged in active physical play, children of all ages, regardless of their individual abilities and interests, are given the opportunity to develop their reflexes and strengthen their fine and gross motor skills. Additionally, active physical play strengthens bones and muscles and increases cardiovascular abilities.
But it doesn't end just at the physical level. Physical Activity and Sports naturally integrate with an inquiry-based learning model by offering opportunities for exploration and questioning, encouraging learners to investigate a variety of educational concepts - all while having fun at play.
Some of those concepts are:
Physics
Rolling a ball on a variety of flooring textures, running at various speeds, learning to accelerate (and stop) on ice skates, kicking a soccer ball or shooting a puck. All these acts a child does in play through sport is teaching concepts such as force and motion.
Biology
The way our bodies move to build speed, the mastery of playing catch or perfecting a summersault; children begin to be aware of anatomy and physiology and how their bodies work.
Mathematics
Tasked with tallying, score keeping, looking at statistics or even recognizing the numbers in a game of Hop-Scotch, children begin to recognize the value of numbers, how they relate to one another and there use in every day activities.
Social Studies
Physical Activity in the form of group sport involves teamwork, social interaction and cooperation, which assists in the healthy formation of a child Social Skills. Individual physical and sporting activities can promote a sense of self worth, increase self esteem and assist further in Social-Emotional intelligence.
These are only a few examples of how a child's physical activity and engagement with sports benefits a child's overall development.
Power Play Early Learning and Opportunities for Physical Play and Sport
How does Power Play Early Learning embrace Active Physical Play and Sports in our programming?
From our every day active play in our playgrounds, walks in the neighbourhood and active field trips, we also offer a variety of activities available to children throughout the year. Partnering with professionals in our community, we offer children opportunities that foster physical activity in play. An example of a few options include aerobics, karate, dance and more.
Additionally, as we are located at Excellent Ice in Panorama, we offer a unique experience with our on-site ice rink, where children can explore how their bodies move on ice in a safe environment. An optional "Learn to Skate" (Power Ice) program is also provided in the spring and fall, allowing children to develop ice skating skills led by experienced instructors.
We continue to find additional ways to introduce a love for active play to our early learners.
At Power Play, Play is Power.