Page 20 - link magazine

20
EDUCATION MATTERS
The Importance of Play
'Learn through play with PPA. 'is the theme being promoted during 1989 by the Pre-School P/a ygro ups Association,
a national voluntary organ/sat/on concerned with under-fives and their families. Sue Blundell, an area organiser with
the Thamesdown Branch of the PPA explains how play sets a foundation for a child's later life.
The PPA believes that 'Playing is and extending language skills; the and understand themselves and each
Learning for Living.' This message is photo' album is ideal for stimulating other.
spread throughout its membership conversation, developing memory Children's play will vary according
of playgroups, parent and toddler and recall and at the same time, to their experience, confidence and
groups and interested individuals, allowing you the opportunity for a interest; they are individuals with
as well as through courses for parents well-earned 'cuppa.' their own feelings and desires. It is
and under-fives workers. It is such Play has been called 'children's more relevant to consider the stage a
an important message that we should work.' It is how a child grows from child is at rather than their age. A
all be spreading the word. The first 5 being totally dependant at birth to a child may be at differing stages of
years of life, as research shows, lays large degree of independence by the play according to the activity (its
the important foundations and age of five. Children are born with an interest and motivation), the
patterns for future learning. This innate curiosity to make sense of the environment (at home, playgroup,
makes it imperative that our world they live in, to explore, discover unfamiliar group), their mood or the
children's pre-school experiences are time of the day. it is our role as adults
happy and stimulating. to provide a wide variety of play
Play is significant to the well-being opportunities in different situations.
of us all, but for young children, it is The fun, excitement and
as essential to their physical, stimulation play provides also
intellectual, emotional and social promotes the determination and
development as food, warmth and concentration a child needs to take Playing with water, one of many ways
love. To provide for this invaluable those first steps, pour a cup of water of discovering things
experience, it is not necessary to or stick that toilet roll tube in just the other. It helps them build up their
purchase expensive 'educational right place. This highlights another confidence at making decisions and
toys.' important aspect of play - the 'sense allows them to discover their own
The home is filled with a wealth of of achievement,' a very significant limitations.
resources: counting the stairs, factor in building up a good self-
Playing is certainly 'learning for
matching the lids, laying the table. image and feelings of worth. Play living' and with good foundations
Turn those household chores into fun: allows children the opportunity to laid In the pre-school years and a
sorting the washing can change a set their own rules and standards sensitive approach at school, our
bored toddler into an eager helper which not only improves their children will retain that innate
with an opportunity to learn about chances of success, but also gives curiosity and continue to learn
colours, matching and sorting. them practice at understanding each successfully and happily
Learning in this relaxed environment
promotes interest and enthusiasm The simplest of materials helps a child
with plenty of scope for practicing develop basic skills 'Named' at Upper Shaw Farm Playgroup
Playgroup chairwomen Janet Bazeley explains an
innovation introduced at her playgroup
OUR MANY SATISFIED CUSTOMERS ARE After last half-term we introduced of the group, as they proudly wear
YOUR PEACE OF MIND name badges for both the children their playgroup badge. Also the
and staff. The staff badges feature children can be addressed personally,
• FROM A SINGLE WINDOW TO TOTAL REPLACEMENT the P. P.A. logo, the group name, and even by the parent-helper who might
of course the wearers name. They be unaware of the child's name; some
can now be easily spotted when new children being reluctant or unable to
• WE OFFER A FULL DESIGN & INSTALLATION SERVICE parents visit the group.
communicate this information. They
BY FULLY QUALIFIED CARPENTERS FOR uPVC, The children greeted their badges are useful too, when the time comes
HARDWOOD & ALUMINIUM DOUBLE GLAZING with much curiosity, one little girl to write names on craft work, put on
picking out her badge immediately! coats and shoes for outside activities
The badges carry a picture ofasimple or reunite lost items with owners.
• RESIDENTIAL AND PATIO DOORS
object, begining with the same initial The badges are only worn inside
10 YEAR GUARANTEE- FREE QUOTES WITHOUT OBLIGATION as their name, alongside their name. the playgroup building where there is
The aim is to help the child recognise constant supervision. We are only
ERMIN 87a ERMIN STREET their own name and see how the too aware of the possible dangers of
same letter is used elsewhere. The children wearing name badges when
SWINDON little girl in question, whose name is mixing with the general public.
WINDOWS TEL.: 824419 Abbie, was quite sure her badge must
The children are delighted with
be the one with an angel. She was, their badges which they wear with
of course, quite correct!
pride. They will be lasting momentos
• . '.' • - .
. -'• .
,. . '
The idea of the badge is two-fold. of the happy times they have spent
..................:.• •
.•. ,. ,
The children will feel very much part with us.
Identifying themselves at Upper Shaw Farm Playgroup, from left to right, Lucille
Raymond Stansfield McParland, Jem Scragg, William Peach, Krytal Cinquegrani
DECORATOR
with over 30 years experience.
Craftsman in Paint and Decor
SPECIALIST in Paperhanging, Graining, Marble,
and Decorative Effects & Finishes. •

elephone: (0793) 874299
*- •-v:----,
4* -Y -r F- - .- -.-