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In 2022, the South African government made Grade RR and R, the two grades before primary school, free and compulsory. These preparatory years are rooted in play-based pedagogies and lay the foundation for lifelong learning while supporting children's transition from home into primary school.
Why is learning through play so important? According to researcher Jennifer M. Zosh, true play allows children to experience agency. As they take charge and make choices, children feel in control over their own learning. It is often understood as a mainly cognitive and academic process of building knowledge and acquiring skills, but learning is much more diverse. Learning is not only cognitive, but also physical, social, linguistic, emotional and creative. For Carmen, she sees improved well-being and self-confidence in her Grade R learners: “I think it's very important for children to have a safe space to play and to feel like they have a freedom of choice.” Through play, children become active participants in their own learning rather than passive recipients of information.
Play Helps Children Learn Without Fear
Learning through play can respond to learners’ teaching needs in various ways. “Some of my learners simply aren't at the level where they can work on formal instructions and written assignments, or some children have a hard time sitting still in a chair,” says Carmen. “When my learners feel they cannot do something, they may lose confidence and motivation because they are afraid of failing. During play, however, they engage with an activity because they want to take part.”
One of Carmen’s learners struggled with fine motor skills at the start of the school year. Writing and colouring left her hands sore, and she would often burst into tears during these activities. “Through playful exercises such as threading, working with Play-Doh and using pegboards, she gradually strengthened her hands without feeling overwhelmed. She can now write her name with pride and button her own jersey,” Carmen explains. “It’s been lovely to see her grow and how proud she’s becoming.” Carefully planned play experiences help learners strengthen developmental skills, and do it with motivation and confidence.
Play Gives Teachers Confidence, Too
Carmen only started teaching in 2020, first in Grade 4 and now in Grade R, but she has completely fallen in love with teaching this age group. “What better way to spend your day than just having fun with your children, and they’re learning at the same time?”
Over the years, Carmen has realised that learning in the classroom goes both ways. Her learners have also helped her feel more confident in the classroom, because the classroom is a non-judgemental space. “They won’t judge me when I act silly, but rather laugh, imitate and engage even more in the activities.”
That feeling of self-confidence has allowed Carmen to fully join in rather than standing on the sidelines. One day, the school principal spotted her on the security cameras playing catch with the children and later called her into her office to tell her how proud she was. “I did not even realise the cameras were there, I was so immersed in the activity with my children.”
Play Is a Bridge Between Home and the Classroom
“One of the biggest challenges in the classroom is the language barrier,” says Carmen. Many of her learners speak isiZulu at home and arrive in class with little knowledge of English. However, she has found that play can act as an equaliser between children: it takes away some of the pressure to participate, lowers children’s anxiety and gives them a way to engage before they have the words to express themselves. “Let’s play first, and the language development will follow,” Carmen states.
Carmen also sees play as an important tool for parents to be more involved in their child’s learning. Some parents who speak isiZulu at home may feel unsure about how to support their child’s learning or help with schoolwork in a language they do not fully understand themselves. Through workshops, she shows them that play is learning and that it is something every family can do, regardless of their home language or circumstances. It is also a powerful way to continue a child’s learning at home.
“The parents were grateful that their child is allowed to play and learn at the same time,” Carmen says. “Parents understand that their children need to play and that they might be coming home dirty at the end of the day because they’ve been rolling around in the sand.” Through play, families also strengthen relationships, communication and children's sense of belonging.
Strengthening Practice by Sharing Ideas
To support Early Childhood Centre practitioners and leaders in embedding effective play-based approaches in their curricula and teaching, the government’s Department of Basic Education (DBE) launched the Funda Udlale Nathi (F.U.N.) project in partnership with VVOB in 2022. Meaning “Learn and play with us” in isiZulu, the project features a hybrid continuing professional development approach and supports the professionalisation of the sector. When Carmen and her colleague Talia enrolled in the F.U.N. project, she was surprised by how mixed the group was. “Some teachers had already completed parts of the course, while others needed a bit more support,” she says. “It surprised me that, even though we do this job every day, we are still reminded of how children learn. I enjoyed getting extra information about play-based learning approaches, and it confirmed that I am on the right track.”
Carmen would welcome more opportunities to learn. “I would love additional courses,” she says, especially ones that offer practical ideas. “I love that we can share resources with each other.”