Application of Play-Way Attitudes in progressive methods

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

Lesson 19: The play-way method for ECE

Application of Play-Way Attitudes in progressive methods of teaching

The application of the principles of play-way is found in all the progressive methods of education and other school activities in one way or the other.

1. Project Method: ‘Purpose element’ is used to secure the interests of the students. The play-spirit pervades throughout the various activities connected with the completion of the project. The students work in an atmosphere of reality, freedom and responsibility.
2. Kindergarten Method: Froebel’s Kindergarten provides a lot of action for children. Dancing, singing, acting and playing are its chief characteristics. Gifts are given to the students with the help of which they learn the idea of shape, colour, number, weight etc.
3. The Montessori Method: Didactic apparatus imparts training in various fields. With the aid of this apparatus children learn reading, writing and arithmetic. The Children’s House provides an atmosphere of complete and unrestricted freedom. Children are kept active and playing while learning.
4. The Dalton Plan: Children are free from a rigid time-table. They work according to their own rate and speed of learning. They are at liberty to move from room to room and laboratory to laboratory. A sense of self-help and responsibility is generated in the students. The students take a real pleasure in studies.
5. The Heuristic Method: This method places the child in the position of a discoverer. Thus he acquires and learns some of the most fundamental skills through his own effort. The child is always mentally active as he wants to satisfy his curiosity.
6. Basic System of Education: This is a revolt against the verbal and bookish system of education. Here too the child learns by doing and thus derives immense pleasure side by side.