The Curriculum in our Playroom

The Curriculum in our Playroom

by Aline Akl

In our playroom, we follow an emergent play-based curriculum with a mixed age group. This curriculum provides empowering, endless possibilities of play with learning opportunities for everyone: children, families, and educators.

Fig.1: Our Playroom 

We also strongly agree with the statement from the National Association for the Education of Young Children about play, “The impulse to play comes from a natural desire to understand the world” (NAEYC, 2022).

What is emergent curriculum?

According to the Brighter Horizons (2020), emergent curriculum is a developmentally appropriate approach that plans children’s learning in early childhood education and offer choices. It is also project based and in alignment with the children’s interests, needs and abilities. In addition, it inspires children with a lifelong passion of learning and provides them with diverse learning experiences.

Furthermore, in our play curriculum we follow the Flight Alberta Framework where the child is seen as mighty learner and citizen (Makovichuk et al., 2014). We also use a collaborative approach in which educators, children and families are involved in the learning for the children’s success. 

“When parents observe their children in play or join with them in child-driven play, they are given a unique opportunity to see the world from their child’s vantage point as the child navigates a world perfectly created just to fit his or her needs” (Ginsburg, et al., 2007).

Fig.2: Family Involvement in the Snow Play

What is the role of our educators in our curriculum?

In our curriculum, the role of our educators is crucial and appreciated. They provide learning experiences with some challenges to encourage the children to use their problem-solving skills. In addition, our educators use their listening and communication skills to stay engaged in the children’s play. Through the day, our educators observe the children and document objectively their play to find their abilities, needs and interests. Later, our educators plan appropriately and expand the children's ideas in new ways. They also inspire them and act as role models so the children can collaborate well with others. By the end of each day, our educators’ report will be shared individually with the parents through our app, and the parents are more than welcome to comment on it and share their children’s interests at home.

Fig.3: Water Play Provocation-Mini Figurines and Recycled Bottle Caps

You might be wondering how playing affects children’s learning!

According to the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (2007), “Play is so important to optimal child development that it has been recognized by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a right of every child”. 

Our play-based curriculum “…helps children develop social skills, motivation to learn, and even language and numeracy skills. Taking initiative, focused attention, and curiosity about the world are all a part of play” (Wonderschool, 2022).

Fig.4: Science Provocation - Measuring & Planting

Our curriculum is based on child-led and open-ended play, and it offers many benefits for the children on their cognitive, social emotional and physical development (Table 1).

                                                Table 1: Benefits of Play

Cognitive Development	Social Emotional Development	Physical Development
Gain literacy and language skills Hone problem-solving skills Build sensation and perception abilities Learn to use symbols to represent ideas Practice focusing on task Develop motivation and curiosity to learn	Build Friendship Learn to cooperate and resolve conflict Establish a sense of self Become confident and motivated to learn Explore their own interest	Practice fine and gross motor skills Build muscle and coordination Grow through a variety of tactile experiences
Retrieved from: https://www.wonderschool.com/p/parent-resources/what-is-play-based-learning/

What are the centers in our classroom?

Our classroom provides a welcoming, inspiring, multicultural environment for the children to learn explore and create in a safe place. It is divided into different centres such as science, literacy/numeracy, writing, reading, dramatic play, art, music and building so the children can be exposed to different materials to choose their play.

Fig.5: A Sample of Different Art Materials, and Loose and Recycled Parts 

At the end, our facility with the emergent play-based curriculum is an excellent place for your children to develop their love for learning and be ready for school. Our well-trained educators are committed to your children and their learning. 

References:

Brighter Horizons. (2021, February 1). What is an emergent curriculum & how it works. https://www.brighthorizons.com/resources/article/emergent-curriculum-early-education-approach

Makovichuk, L., Hewes, J., Lirette, P., & Thomas, N. (2014). Flight: Alberta's Early Learning and Care Framework. https://flightframework.ca

Wonderschool. (2022). What is play-based learning? https://www.wonderschool.com/p/parent-resources/what-is-play-based-learning/

Nell, M. & Drew, W. (n.d). Five essentials to meaningful play. National Association of the Education of Young Children.  https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/five-essentials-meaningful-play

Ginsburg, K., Committee on Communications, & Committee on Psychosocial Aspect of Child and Family Health. (2007). The importance of Play in promoting healthy child development and maintaining strong parent-child bonds. American Academy of Pediatrics 119(1), 182-191.  https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/119/1/182/70699/The-Importance-of-Play-in-Promoting-Healthy-Child