How play-based education inspires children to learn and sets them up for success
- Curriculum’s natural approach helps pupils to thrive, says Dr Cora Hui, head of school at Hong Kong’s Christian Alliance P.C. Lau Memorial International School
- Holistic teaching method, influenced by principles of the ‘3Rs’ – relationships, relevance and rigour – encourages pupils to become curious about learning
Science is not the only class where children learn about different animal species and other things involving the physical and natural world at Hong Kong’s Christian Alliance P.C. Lau Memorial International School (CAPCL).
Grade 1 teachers Angela Ko and Chelsea Jacobs often combine a variety of subjects during their classes – such as asking pupils to find out about different animal groups, such as reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and mammals, as part of an English language arts non-fiction writing activity, which led to them compiling a book, which they later presented to others during the lesson.
“We set high expectations for them and they exceeded our expectations, especially with their presentation skills,” Ko says.
CAPCL regularly uses this type of integrated learning as part of its play-based curriculum.
“Children naturally love playing,” says Dr Cora Hui, head of school at CAPCL, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year. “Play is children’s first language and it is developmentally appropriate.”