play based approach
Children learn best through play. Children should engage in play activities which are neither too challenging nor too easy for their developmental level. In a play- based approach stimulating materials and activities are made available by the teacher and children self select activities according to their interest at each point of time and learn at their own pace. The teacher’s role is that of a facilitator and she does not carry out any specific structured activities. In order to enable children to benefit from this approach, teachers need to observe and identify learning opportunities and make play materials available accordingly. If a teacher is unskilled and ineffective, it may lead to loss of learning opportunities and learning by doing. Any pleasure-giving activity is play for them and is central to a child’s well-being. Play stimulates curiosity and exploration and leads to mastery of body controls, encourages creativity and social skills and develops emotional balance and language skills.