As an educator, one must create a stimulating learning environment. For this purpose, the concepts of games as a tool for teaching young students, as well as the principles of inclusivity, must be integrated into the classroom setting. By incorporating the specified element into the learning process, a teacher facilitates learning productivity and rapid cognitive development in students.
The pedagogy of play is a simple yet strikingly effective teaching instrument. It involves choice, inquisitiveness, and the delight of discovery (Thames Valley District School Board, 2015). Therefore, pedagogy as play lays the foundation for future self-directed learning (Daniel, 2019). According to the Ontario Ministry of Education (2014), constructing educational practice and involving students in the process is guiding them to academic independence. This idea speaks to me most concerning my practices as a childhood educator. As Callaghan (2017) pointed out, it is vital to be not only the consumer but also the creator of education tools and strategies, which I aspire to achieve.
Additionally, creating a supportive environment for children and their families is critical since it fosters a healthy academic setting. To build the required learning environment, I must align with the ethical standards established by The Early Childhood Educators Act as the guide to enhance students’ sense of belonging (College of Early Childhood Educators, 2020). Therefore, instances of discrimination will be avoided, and learners’ culture-specific needs will be identified (Ontario Human Rights Commission, n.d.). Specifically, communication channels including modern IT and ICT tools, as well as reporting systems for quick data submission as the support framework, will be built. Thus, teachers will have a proper understanding of the learners’ backgrounds and specific needs (Gallagher, 2015). Thus, a teacher will ensure developmentally appropriate education (FernAvery 2007).
Introducing the notion of inclusivity along with the pedagogy of play is vital for bolstering intellectual curiosity in students and creating a comfortable learning environment for them. With the specified concepts integrated into the learning process, the target audience will feel encouraged to explore and discover. Therefore, the described concepts should become inseparable from the classroom context.
References
Callaghan, K. (2017). Learning is a process: Reflections on learning – Karyn Callaghan. Vimeo. Web.
College of Early Childhood Educators. (2020). Practice guideline. College-ECE.ca. Web.
Daniel, N. (2019). OnEdMentors – Pedagogy as play.Voiced.ca. Web.
FernAvery. (2007). Developmentally appropriate early childhood education. [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Gallagher, K. (2015). The healthy child: assembly required | Kathleen Gallagher | TEDxUNC. [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Ontario Human Rights Commission. (n.d.). Call it out: Racism, racial discrimination and human rights. Web.
Ontario Ministry of Education. (2014). How does learning happen? Ontario’s pedagogy for the early years. Ontario Ministry of Education Publishing.
Thames Valley District School Board. (2015). Full day kindergarten. [Video]. YouTube. Web.