Early child educators learning the importance of play

Launa Clark, who has taught students from preschool to university, believes the best way for children to learn, is to play. Today she was a keynote speaker at the conference.

“It’s absolutely the best way they learn. Their developing brain is so complex and it’s happening so fast that the best way is to let them be motivated by their own thoughts and actions,” said Clark.

However, playing to Clark doesn’t mean sitting down and playing Fortnite.

“I’m talking about that relational based play. When you’re with someone, when you’re looking in the eyes, when you can do a little bit of rough and tumble, when there’s a dynamic of true human-to-human connection and playfulness.”

This kind of playing is what Clark believes can set the foundation to build the rest of a childs life.

“In those early years we’re really talking about that foundational play that sets the ground for education, language, social confidence, self-esteem, mental health, all those things,” said Clark, “play isn’t the enemy of learning. Play is who we’re meant to be and it’s the best way to connect with others.”

As for Launa Usher, she’s an early child educator herself. Usher believes that other educators and herself left today with an increased “capacity to care for our children.”

“It really makes them more prepared for that challenging job they have,” said Usher.

by Conner Toffan

Early child educators learning the importance of play

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