Playing to learn

Playing, besides being a fun activity, is basic to children's development. It is fundamental in early childhood, since it is the initial way in which children get to know the world. This is how it is understood at the German School Medellín and that is why it is promoted from Kindergarten onwards as a valid teaching and learning tool. "Through playing, the teachers have the possibility of getting to know each student in his or her entirety," explains Anne Krüger, Head of Section.

According to the teachers of Klasse 1, Katherine Álvarez and María Eugenia Ramírez, experts in child neuro-psychopedagogy, playing is an essential activity, as it allows for experimentation and the development of creativity. It is also a tool that promotes imagination while allowing the acquisition of affective skills, as it is a good scenario for teamwork in which one learns tolerance, the management of social, emotional, and communicative skills.

Although it may not be evident at first, playful activities are, as already mentioned, one of the first ways in which one learns. The aim, then, is to discover the world through games and, therefore, the importance of promoting these spaces in the classroom. However, first, playing must be just fun and games, so it should not be qualified or evaluated, "there should be no pressure," adds Maria Eugenia. 

For Anke Käding, School Principal, "playing allows children to learn in a holistic way". In fact, the processes are based on meaningful learning, fun experiences that generate impact in the mind of everyone. "It is normal for them to ask questions, to be curious. Learning is not only sitting at a table with a book, learning is also playing," adds Mrs. Käding. With the game, for example, they deal with conflict resolution and their curiosity is stimulated.

"Directed game", when it is under the teacher's intention, seeks to stimulate children's skills such as motor skills, logical thinking, social skills, self-care, among others. Thus, taking up the words of Mrs. Krüger, Kindergarten Director, the fun activities, with an intention allow to accompany the students in their discovery and learning processes.

Another way of aiming at development is “Free Play”, an activity that contributes to the growth of autonomy since, generally, there are no set instructions and they establish the rules and decide what to do. These moments are also important: by creating their own games and rules, there is a valuable creative impulse. At this point it is important to understand that it is okay to do nothing, because children need to rest, especially when they have a full agenda of school and extracurricular activities. "If teachers or parents plan for them all the time, we start deciding for them and there's no such thing as independence," says Katherine Alvarez. Free play is a time for children to feel they can think for themselves and make their own decisions.