The term play-based learning is increasingly used to reference play in school, especially during the past year. Sometimes it’s called purposeful play. Play-based learning is not the same as free play, even though sometimes it is described as such. It also might be used to transform classroom learning to screens.
It’s critical to understand the difference between play-based learning and free play.
One parent blogger says, The term ‘play-based learning’ now evokes in me a much different feeling than it once did. Something like nails on a chalkboard perhaps? Not because I don’t believe in children learning through play, no. But because it appears that the term has been hijacked.
Since No Child Left Behind and high-stakes testing, Race to the Top and Common Core State Standards, play for kindergartens and some preschools has declined. Many teachers have felt pressured to remove classroom play kitchens and the toys children enjoyed. Kindergartens and some preschools have expected children to do more CONTINUE READING: Play-Based Learning Isn’t Free Play and May Be Connected to Online Learning