Real learning happens in moments of play.
The sacredness of play is a phrase that will stick with me since attending a Powerful Parenting Workshop held by Ruyton Girls’ School with guest speaker Kirsty Liljegren, International education consultant and member of Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange Committee.
Play is part of growing up, full of curious exploration. I have fond memories of playing in my childhood albeit somewhat different to children these days with their access to all things tech. My two girls now 21 and 20, when young, loved to dress up and role play in the unicorn costumes I made for them and quite often I could be seen in the park across the road involved in the elaborate stories of their imaginary unicorn’s lives. I had spent countless hours in our backyard sand pit with my son, building intricate roads and tunnels with him, a world for his trucks and cars. While this was fun and I loved every minute of it, what I did not realise at the time, was that this play was a critically important part of my children's inquiry and learning development.
In the Powerful Parenting, The Importance of Play in Educational and Social Contexts, workshop held at Ruyton Girls’ School, Kirsty Liljegren shared valuable insights of the long-term benefits of play to a room full of current and future parents. Kirsty’s workshop demonstrated that play is critical for creativity and learning. Play lays the foundations for curiosity, problem solving and communication, essential skills needed for the many careers our children will have. Play shapes a child’s brain development in areas such as decision making, develops stamina and supports manages impulses.
Kirsty’s philosophy and work is influenced by the education project of Reggio Emilia that originated in Italy. The Reggio approach values play as a powerful way for children to express and enact their ideas, rights and capabilities. But there are many types of play. At Ruyton Early Learning and the early years of Junior School, purposeful play that stimulates curiosity and storytelling is influenced by Reggio Emilia approach to learning. Learning spaces are filled with children engaged with the intensity and joy of play, asking questions, solving problems and experiencing deeper and powerful learning.
I will now notice, value and encourage play, knowing now in those moments of unhurried time is when the real learning is happening.
Elaine Doyle
Director of Marketing and Communication
Ruyton Girls' School
July 2019