Golden Valley Daycare Emphasizes Play Time
Several studies show the number of times school children get to play has declined in the past decade. Playtime is a vital part of the learning curriculum at Calvary Childcare Center in Golden Valley.
“We have outdoor free play twice a day, and then inside, every program has at least an hour of free play,” said Margaret Mahowald, Director of Calvary Childcare Center.
Mahowald is a big advocate of play-based learning. She says it gives students an edge when it comes to education.
Play is Power
“They’re learning one to one correspondence, which is math. They’re social skills because they’re working with their friends. They’re learning self- regulation as they figure out how to use the materials.”
The childcare leader says playing allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, skill, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength.
“Because they’re using their senses and because they’re using all parts of their body, their brain, all parts of their brains is being used,” explained Mahowald.
Whether the children enjoy playing by themselves, or with their friends, education experts say they are developing skills that can take them to new heights.
“Children are learning at all times through all kinds of play so, the more children play, the more children are learning,” said Mahowald.
