Elise Fraser:
To differentiate our learning for diverse learners, it's making sure that you do have different opportunities for them. So, just because we as an adult might get really super excited about a scene you've set up doesn't mean other children will. Other times it might be that we've picked up on some language or something they're needing more support in, and so we might set up a play scene for that or a mini world to direct that language that then builds that confidence for them to then take it and use it at other times as well.
We've got different settings, so our role play setting construction, but we've also then it's the hands on in other ways as well. It looks like children engage, that's the main benefit we've definitely seen is that everyone's in there having a go or if we do notice something, that's when we'll jump in with some guided play just to get them rolling.
My role is the teacher, you can differentiate. So, sometimes it is that guide. If you're needing to help them along the way, sometimes you're in there as the character so they can pull you in and say, Oh, you know, you're the robber now and if not, I'm changing into another role as well. And sometimes the mediator between the sharing and those sorts of things but it's those life skills that we're just trying to build them up for.
If it's, we're looking at, say, illiteracy or some oral language, sometimes I do need to be more of that guide to bring that language in, other times, if it's, you know, in the supermarket setting, can you go and get me 4 apples and you're bringing that counting in so, guiding and teaching but other times it can be, hey, you know, you're this put on the superhero cape and you've turned into Superman and you're going along and having some fun with them as well.
Play based learning has many benefits for children's learning. It comes down to also just that engagement. Any time that they've given that opportunity, they're in there having a go, they're directing it, they're leading it. They're bringing others in who they might not consider friends out in the playground but also it's just that, again, you get to hit so many things from the curriculum. So your oral language, but also those other skills of sharing, even just problem solving. So, you know, oh, the fire is hot, what should we do? Let's step back, given those opportunities as well. So, as an adult or a teacher in this space, it's just seeing that everyone's having a chance and an opportunity and guiding them if they needed.
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