The Power of Play by Melissa

The Power of Play by Melissa - August 2018 Scholarship Essay

If I were to host a popular education podcast, I would focus on how key play is in a child’s development and how shifting education to a more creative and playful mindset can boost learning in multiple dimensions. As an early childhood educator working on finishing a degree in child development, I can proudly say that play is one of my life’s greatest passions! I see the results of play on a daily basis with the children I work with. Playing soccer in an open field with children can help them develop their gross motor skills, strengthening their leg muscles while stringing macaroni necklaces improve the pincer grasp that will eventually, help them write. A game of “Simon Says” enhances listening skills, testing comprehension and attentiveness. Play improves the whole child physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally.

There can be such a focus on worksheets and rote memorization in academics and I would like to create a podcast that explores ideas outside of that. I can see myself diving into Jean Piaget’s theory of play in one episode and perhaps recording a play-session with a child wherein we see the capabilities of play at work. In other episodes, I could even have interviews with Montessori-trained teachers who could speak to the effectiveness of hands-on learning or Reggio Emilia-trained teachers who could describe the importance of open-ended play. Each week, listeners would tune in for ideas and an extra dose of motivation to make learning fun.

All in all, a podcast centered around play would be an upbeat topic of conversation for parents and teachers alike. It could also encourage educators to reinvigorate their curriculum with the joy and wonder that comes with play. Play has a way of sparking our creativity and helping us see outside of the box and a podcast would be a perfect avenue to explore it.