Celebration of
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Lakehead Elementary Teachers of Ontario (LETO) in partnership with Lakehead District School Board and select education partners mounted a major initiative to demonstrate the value of play-based learning in the lives of children on June 19, 2014 at Marina Park, Thunder Bay. The event hosted between 1,000 - 1,500 parents and children. The following information is provided by LETO:
The Value of Play in Early Learning
The importance of play-based learning on early development is driving early education reform around the world.
In Ontario, the provincial government has introduced an early learning curriculum that is play- based and that is “historic for the world” according to renowned psychologist Kathryn Hirsh-Pasek, a founding member of the Ultimate Block Party in the U.S.
Research trends highlight the importance of structured play-based interactions and stimulation on brain development. Play-based learning is known to help develop neurological pathways that affect future learning, behaviour and health. We refer to this as the “brain connection” as play activities literally stimulate different parts of the brain.
Play is the work of children. Play feeds children’s brain growth. Play is children’s way of growing physically, emotionally, socially and cognitively.
The importance of play-based learning on early development is driving how early learning is being shaped in Ontario. While leading educators understand the effectiveness of play-based learning, there is a need to promote greater implementation of such programs in schools and engage parents and communities in play-based learning strategies.
The Celebration of Learning and Play Objectives
1. Promote the importance of play-based learning to education officials, schools, educators, children and families, and media.
2. Build partnerships and networking capacity with organizations that have an interest in furthering play-based learning in classrooms.
3. Demonstrate play-based learning in action with children and parents.
The Celebration of Learning and Play is a celebration of play-based learning that models activities that children and families can engage in to optimize learning through play in the classroom, home and community environment.
Organizers:
Ellen Chambers, President of Lakehead Elementary Teachers’ of Ontario
Corinne Scarfo. LETO Professional Learning Chair and Event Co-ordinator
Diana Madunic, Event Co-ordinator
The Value of Play in Early Learning
The importance of play-based learning on early development is driving early education reform around the world.
In Ontario, the provincial government has introduced an early learning curriculum that is play- based and that is “historic for the world” according to renowned psychologist Kathryn Hirsh-Pasek, a founding member of the Ultimate Block Party in the U.S.
Research trends highlight the importance of structured play-based interactions and stimulation on brain development. Play-based learning is known to help develop neurological pathways that affect future learning, behaviour and health. We refer to this as the “brain connection” as play activities literally stimulate different parts of the brain.
Play is the work of children. Play feeds children’s brain growth. Play is children’s way of growing physically, emotionally, socially and cognitively.
The importance of play-based learning on early development is driving how early learning is being shaped in Ontario. While leading educators understand the effectiveness of play-based learning, there is a need to promote greater implementation of such programs in schools and engage parents and communities in play-based learning strategies.
The Celebration of Learning and Play Objectives
1. Promote the importance of play-based learning to education officials, schools, educators, children and families, and media.
2. Build partnerships and networking capacity with organizations that have an interest in furthering play-based learning in classrooms.
3. Demonstrate play-based learning in action with children and parents.
The Celebration of Learning and Play is a celebration of play-based learning that models activities that children and families can engage in to optimize learning through play in the classroom, home and community environment.
Organizers:
Ellen Chambers, President of Lakehead Elementary Teachers’ of Ontario
Corinne Scarfo. LETO Professional Learning Chair and Event Co-ordinator
Diana Madunic, Event Co-ordinator