Play-Based Learning

Archives

The Prep program at Suncoast is based mainly on play-based learning and inquiry, which allows for a rich exploration of meaningful content with the clever integration of curriculum skills and knowledge.

Played-based leaning – Our approach to Investigations

A key element of life at Suncoast Prep is the daily Investigations – time set aside each morning where students are free to investigate, and explore via play-based learning with careful guidance that links in with learning across key areas like Maths, English, Humanities and Social Sciences and Sciences.Play-based learning at Suncoast Prep students

The objective of Investigations

Investigations is a time that focuses on purposefully scaffolding student learning while incorporating their interest and harnessing academic and other skills where possible. Each day, “focus” children work closely with the teacher who helps scaffold their thinking and skills with purpose. There is also a Reporter and Photographer each day, whose role it is to capture or document an aspect of curriculum learning, demonstrated through play. The Investigations sessions are bookended with ‘Learning Intentions’ and a reflection time, which helps the students to articulate their thinking and learning as a class group.

Learning in Action

Recently, we witnessed two beautiful examples of this inquiry play-based learning integration in action. Since the commencement of construction on the new Primary Precinct, our preps have been busily documenting the progress. It started with a natural curiosity of students peeping out from the corner window, catching glimpses of the busy workers, trucks, and machinery.

Prep teacher Deb Rogers quickly transformed this room area into a viewing platform with steps, allowing the students to look out the window and view the building site. The class recorded their observations in a journal to document what was happening. This interest and process of documentation has allowed students to build 

Play-based learning at Suncoast Prep Teacher

skills in observing, articulating, and recording their ideas.

Play-based learning at Suncoast Prep studentsOver time it has seen the inclusion of labels and later sentences from students, as they began to use their learnt skills. In another investigation, the Prep students discovered an interest in the small building model at Estia Health Nursing Home in Na

mbour. They created tiny models of buildings, roads, and the surroundings, which inspired them to create a mini city of their own.

The city’s construction was a collaboration between the students, each adding buildings and areas of interest. Again, this 

project incorporated rich discussions about what is required in a city, including transport systems, shops, parks, and amenities.

Each student created and labelled their part of the city. Students then connected with our friends at the Nursing home through a letter-writing activity.

Our head of Digital Technologies, Adam King, encouraged students to harness their interest in the coding of electronic trains. The students wasted no time including an elaborate train network in their city. They coded the trains to slow down or speed up carriages and halted them (via code) at various stations on the city’s train line.

What we have learned

Incorporating play-based inquiry learning into our programs has seen students achieve rich outcomes. The unseen benefits of inquiry-based learning are the students’ conversations, negotiations, problem-solving skills, and personal independence. During the explorative, play-based investigations, the teachers witnessed students applying their knowledge from the more structured core mathematics and English programs.

For most of our Prep students, investigations (disguised as play) is the highlight of their day.

Play-based learning – student reflections

“What I love about investigations is that we can make stuff and use lots of things we want” Chiedza – Suncoast Preppie

“My favourite things about investigations are to do college, build the trains in the town and write people letters so they can feel happy”
Harry – Suncoast Preppie

Recent Posts

Maybe We’re Amazed
Oct, 23/10/2023
Formula for Success
Oct, 17/10/2023
Not so secret code
Sep, 06/09/2023