When we discuss education, we often separate play and adventure from learning. So much so, that if you are playing or “goofing around” you are punished. Some children are labeled as the classroom clown or a child that doesn’t want to learn. I think this is a very problematic look at learning and creates the narrative that learning is the opposite of fun.
Instead of fighting against play and adventure in the “classroom”, I aspire to make it a top priority in our homeschool journey.
Play and Adventure Versus Learning
“Stop playing and pay attention!” Have you ever said or been told this phrase? If not, you may have heard it said to another child. What if I told you that play is actually learning. Most research would go as far as to say play is the best way to learn.
One thing I appreciate about earning my master’s degree in teaching and learning with a focus on early childhood education is understanding the importance of developmentally appropriate practices for children. I think that we are so focused on curriculum and seeing children as “empty vessels to be filled with knowledge” that we forget what is developmentally appropriate. We forget that play and adventure are innate in all species.
Developing Curiosity and Critical Thinking Skills
As a child and young adult, I struggled with trying to shove down my own curiosity and not question anything that didn’t sit right with me or make sense. Sadly, my curiosity and constant questioning made things harder for me in school and in settings where most people follow traditional norms. The problem with ignoring your God-given intuition is losing freedom and the ability to think and innovate.
Homeschooling with adventure and play in mind develops a curiosity in children. Once you are curious about something, you invest in exploring and learning more about it. This natural curiosity, if we pay attention, will show us the callings of our children. We will begin to see what they are naturally passionate about. We get to see them grow into who they were born to be, and not who we or predetermined standards want them to be.
When play is not contrived and learning is not overly planned out, we leave room for our children to develop critical thinking skills. For me, the end goal is to raise whole children. Children with morals and a love for the Lord. Children that care about the world around them. Ultimately, children will ask questions and do their own research. I believe, it all starts with play and adventure in childhood.
Self-Directed Learning and Unschooling
As you know, we currently have an educational philosophy that aligns with an eclectic unschooling approach to home education. While my children are really young, I see play and adventure as part of our homeschooling journey well into the teen years.
There are many styles and approaches to homeschooling and each one has its traditions for how you teach or facilitate learning. Self-directed learning or unschooling is completely directed by the child and their interest. As you can guess, play and adventure is valuable in this sense.
Nature Studies in Play and Adventure Focused Homeschooling
Nature studies are very popular in homeschooling. I love that play and adventure happen whenever you are in nature. From nature walks in the fall and identifying different trees to stomping in creeks and seeing tadpoles and dragonflies. All of it connects our children with nature and God’s creation, thus providing opportunities for interest to be ignited.
It’s Just Plain Old Fun
Learning through play and adventure is just plain old fun. I never understood why learning had to be boring. Almost like the more painful the better, ha. Well, that’s the beauty of homeschooling, we can do what we want. I want fun.
Some of you may be wondering if children can truly learn through play, so here are a few resources:
- Visit Sally Haughey at Fairy Dust Teaching
- Read books about child-led learning and child development
- Explore the different styles of homeschooling to find your own
COMMENT
What is your homeschool vision? Why do you feel called to educating your children at home? I would love to read what inspires us all to do such a challenging yet rewarding job.
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