Object-oriented play is a type of play and learning style that has been gaining traction in recent years. This type of play is based on the idea that objects around us can be used as meaningful tools for learning and exploration. It is an approach that allows children to interact with the world around them by manipulating objects, exploring relationships, and trying out new ways of interacting. In this article, we will explore the concept of object-oriented play, its benefits, and strategies for incorporating it into the classroom.
Object-oriented play is based on the idea that objects in the environment can be used as meaningful tools for exploration and learning. This type of play allows children to interact with their environment and explore relationships between objects. This type of play encourages children to think imaginatively, use their problem-solving skills, and practice communication and collaboration. Object-oriented play also encourages children to practice self-regulation, as they must manage their resources and behaviors in order to achieve a goal.
The benefits of object-oriented play are numerous. This type of play can help to develop motor skills, as children must manipulate objects and use their bodies to explore. It can also help to develop cognitive skills, as children must use problem-solving skills to explore relationships between objects. Furthermore, children can practice communication and collaboration as they interact with their peers while manipulating objects. Finally, this type of play can help to develop self-regulation skills as children must manage their resources and behaviors in order to achieve a goal.
In order to incorporate object-oriented play into the classroom, educators should provide children with a variety of objects to explore. Children should be given the freedom to explore, manipulate, and use the objects to create new games and explore relationships. Educators should also provide structure and guidance to ensure that children are playing safely and respectfully. Finally, educators should demonstrate how to use objects to explore relationships and create new games.
In conclusion, object-oriented play is an engaging and beneficial approach to learning and exploration. This type of play can help to develop motor, cognitive, communication, collaboration, and self-regulation skills. Educators should provide children with a variety of objects to explore, as well as structure and guidance. By incorporating object-oriented play into the classroom, children can gain important skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
References
Ginsburg, K. R. (2007). The importance of play in promoting healthy child development and maintaining strong parent-child bonds. Pediatrics, 119(1), 182–191. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2006-2697
Moyer-Packenham, P. S. (2008). Play and learning: Linking research to practice. In J. S. Levin & J. S. Weiss (Eds.), Play in early childhood education: From research to practice (pp. 11–27). Guilford Press.
O’Connor, J. (2016). Object-oriented play: Why it’s important and how to encourage it. Scholastic. Retrieved from https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/object-oriented-play-why-its-important-and-how-encourage-it/