Bonus 2: Let's Talk Play, Play-based, and Playful

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Pre-K Spot Talks

Melysa Mei

52 episodes

9 months ago

Welcome to Pre-K Spot Talks, the dynamic and inspiring podcast hosted by the passionate and innovative early learning enthusiast, Melysa Mei! As a veteran Pre-K teacher in the nation's largest school system and the creative mind behind Pre-K Spot, Melysa is your ultimate guide to everything early learning. Get ready to embark on a transformative journey that will ignite your teaching experience like never before.

Join Melysa on this enlightening adventure as she shares her wisdom, sprinkles in her signature open-ended, child-led teaching practices, and empowers you to discover your unique path as an early childhood educator. Each episode of Pre-K Spot Talks is packed with valuable insights, engaging conversations, and real-life stories from Melysa's own classroom through the lens of play. Each episode is designed to help you unlock the full potential of play-based learning and create a world of wonder for the little ones you teach.

Tune in to Pre-K Spot Talks and let Melysa Mei be your guiding light on this incredible voyage toward becoming the best early childhood educator you can be. Unleash the power of play, foster curiosity, and celebrate the joy of learning with Pre-K Spot Talks – the ultimate podcast for unlocking the magic of early education! Subscribe now and never miss an episode!

All content for Pre-K Spot Talks is the property of Melysa Mei and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Education

Kids & Family,

Parenting

Bonus 2: Let's Talk Play, Play-based, and Playful

Pre-K Spot Talks

34 minutes 35 seconds

1 year ago

Bonus 2: Let's Talk Play, Play-based, and Playful

Could integrating more play into your child's learning routine transform their development? On this episode of Pre-K Spot Talks, hosted by Melissa May, we unpack the fundamental distinctions between free play, play-based learning, and playful learning, and how each contributes uniquely to early childhood education. Melissa starts by highlighting the significance of free play—its unstructured, self-directed nature, and its role in fostering creativity, problem-solving, and crucial social skills. Drawing on the work of Dr. Peter Gray, she illustrates with real-life examples how children engaging in imaginative activities can navigate social dynamics and process their experiences in a safe, enriching environment.

As modern challenges like busy family schedules and increased screen time lead to a decline in free play, Melissa emphasizes its irreplaceable value compared to traditional worksheet-based learning. She transitions into the realm of play-based learning, where educator-designed activities with specific learning objectives guide children's exploration. By examining how free play and play-based learning can coexist, Melissa offers practical insights for educators to facilitate an engaging, efficient balance without over-managing playtime.

The episode culminates with a nuanced look at the various levels of playfulness in education, from playful learning to free play, and the pivotal role of teachers in each approach. Melissa advocates for integrating more child-led free play in educational settings and explores the mindful use of technology to complement traditional play. She concludes with a call to action for educators to reflect on their teaching practices and embrace playful teaching strategies, inviting listeners to join her for a private podcast offering deeper guidance. Don't miss out—sign up for our email list for updates and valuable resources!