Title: Inquiry of Play in a Primary Setting

Presenters: Lindsy Friendship & Christine Dalman

Format: Teaching and Learning Workshop

Brief Description:

This presentation is hands on and investigates how the new BC curriculum supports
learning through inquiry and play. It is an approach that allows authentic and meaningful
learning experiences for all partnerships within the learning community. Our focus is to
embrace student’s creativity and authenticity that emerges from play.

Detail Description:

In our schools today we see a unique diversity of students. As educators we are trying to
find the most meaningful way to inspire learners to develop and grow as individuals. Play brings
students passions and interests in an organic form. We want to have authentic learning
experiences for our students. There are many misconceptions of what play is and its
importance. Our curriculum today supports the process of play and its effectiveness in inquiry.
“Cognitive development stems from social interactions from guided learning within the zone of
proximal development as children and their partner's co-construct knowledge” (McLeod). As
educators we continuously pursue to create an engaging environment, play allows for student
to engage in social and cognitive interactions that stem from a realistic approach. When
students develop ideas, wonders, and questions we call them an inquiry. Many teachers and
pre-service teachers struggle to find the right starting point for inquiry in the primary grades.
The best place to start inquiry is through play. “The benefits of play are recognized by the
scientific community. There is now evidence that neural pathways in children's brains are
influenced by and advanced in their development through the exploration, thinking skills,
problem solving, and language expression that occur during play.” (The Kindergarten Program
2016) Play helps children to discover and make sense of the world around them. Its universal
continuous and versatile in the outcomes its brings to students learning and is “not bound by
culture.” (Knowing Home) During the workshop participants will have the opportunity to play,
collaborate and share their wonders in a way that is meaningful to them. As the workshop
concludes participants will be able to walk away being able to say ‘I can implement inquiry
through play in my classroom’
References

McLeod, S. (1970, January 01). Saul McLeod. Retrieved September 25, 2017, from
http://www.simplypsychology.org/vygotsky.html

Ontario.ca. (2017). The Kindergarten Program 2016. [online] Available at:

https://www.ontario.ca/document/kindergarten-program-2016/play-based-learning-culture-
inquiry [Accessed 26 Sep. 2017].

Snively, G., & Williams, W. L. (2016). Knowing home: Braiding indigenous science with western
science. Victoria, BC: University of Victoria.