November 2018
Learning Through Play
Our school is inspired by the belief that all children learn through play. If we provide the right environment, with the right materials and the right support — we see the learning happen! We chose the toys for the classrooms carefully and intentionally so that they will provide the most play value. As parents and relatives and friends begin looking for toys to buy for Chanukah gifts, they too should think about the play value of the toys they choose. Some tips include: • Look for toys that can be used in many ways. Open-ended toys are not limited by one right way to use them. • Look for toys that appeal to children of different ages. Be mindful of opportunities they give the child to engage others.
This handmade wooden toy was built nearly 80 years ago and the woodturner’s great great grandchildren delight in playing with it!
• Look for toys that will stand the test of time. Things made from good, natural materials can stand up to some wear and tear. The simpler the toy is, the more imagination a child has to bring to the play. Toys that do all the thinking for children take away their chance to expand their own ideas. In school we see that very simple objects can become phones, houses, magic wands — the possibilities are endless. As we honor and respect every child’s potential, let’s make sure the toys we give them honor that potential as well.
