PLAY BASED LEARNING

Play Based Learning (PBL) is exactly what the name suggests – children learning through play. We know children learn through play, but sometimes it’s hard to wrap our heads around exactly what they’re learning, how they’re learning, and ways that we can document and confirm that learning is happening through play.

There are a few different types of Play Based Learning that you may hear about and want to try:

Free Play!

This is PBL in its purest form. It’s how we automatically think of play. Children selecting items or engaging in activities that interest them, by themselves or with their peers, for however long and in whatever way it holds their interest.

Think of children playing with blocks, trains, or exploring a sensory bin.

It’s important to note that grown-ups are not completely disengaged – they are there to supervise and may step in to offer supplies, materials, or suggestions but for true free play, the child needs to choose everything for themselves.

Play in the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire exhibits is a perfect example of Free Play!

Learn More About Our Exhibits >>

Guided Play!

This type of play has a bit more structure from the adult caregiver. Grown-ups step in to provide ideas and direction for play. This type of PBL has the opportunity to lead to some more specific learning outcomes. It works well if grown-ups observe activities that children like the best and then use those activities to start discussions.

For example, if a child really enjoys playing with cars and ramps – grown-ups could use this play as an opportunity to talk about cause and effect or speed and acceleration.

A visit to the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire can always include Guided Play, and we love seeing grown-ups using their visit to the museum to gently guide a child’s play to lead to a specific learning experience.

Grown-up Directed Play!

In this version of PBL, the grown-ups take charge. They determine the activity, the lesson, and their expected learning outcomes. The activity should still be play based and hands-on (ex. Not a worksheet), but there is much more direction from the adult caregiver.

The Museum offers a number of fun and educator-led videos over on our YouTube channel and those are wonderful opportunities for Grown-up Directed Play at home.