For all those who have been to school, there can be no sweeter sound than the school bell for recess. Recess meant freedom. Free from studies, free from classroom restraints and sometimes free from good behaviour as well. Free to do whatever we liked. Free to play games, explore the school yard and eat the contents of our lunch boxes.
What we never realised was that recess too was a period of learning. Whether exploring the schoolyard independently or in groups, children are exploring and learning about social interaction and the environment. Much in the same way, children are constantly absorbing information while at home. Whether it is reciting a poem aloud or tossing a ball in the air or rolling a toy about. They are working on language development skills and gross-motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Most housing complexes in Dubai have provided free and dedicated spaces for children’s playtime.
Children learn about the world through play whilst expressing their emotions and building their vocabulary. Very naturally, they build on their imagination, creativity and cognitive development. Playing outside is not only beneficial for the physical development of the child but also for the social and emotional. The Middle East therefore, encourages parents to allow child-free playtime where they can choose everything from the place to play in and the materials used.
Every child is different and learns differently. Some may prefer to play with each other in groups while others may prefer to play with a puzzle pondering over how to solve it in quiet concentration. Being quiet and playing solo is no less than playing within a group and no less entertaining. The child is still learning and building on his creativity and independence. He is learning how to solve problems and express himself.
Free play creates an opportunity for children to shed inhibitions and overcome their fears. Supervised free play is encouraged in childcare centres and preschools all over the UAE from very early on.
Even at home parents can support and create a safe environment for their children to play in. It is important to ask your child what he would like to do and go along with whatever he suggests. Be creative and lenient with the materials he asks for during his free play time. Encourage the child to think for themselves and do things by themselves. They may ask you to intervene or join them in that activity but allow them to ponder, allow them to falter and be supportive with clues and timely prompting. Once they complete the task at hand like writing a story or completing a puzzle, then you can look it over together and provide feedback.
LEGO® Education BricQ Motion is an engaging STEAM solution while experimenting with forces, motion and interactions in the context of sports. Students play and build with Lego bricks and set them in motion without using any technology. It supports learning from grades K-12 with increasing levels of expertise and understanding. As the level goes higher, students design and build objects that have patterns in their movement which they need to determine to set in motion successfully. With the introduction of pulleys, levers, axles, etc., they can sharpen their abilities and apply scientific skills.
All schools in the GCC areas can take advantage of unlimited learning opportunities with the LEGO® Education learning experience. Standards-aligned curriculum units give a taste of physical science using sports-related themes to solve real-world problems. Parents can unlock a whole new world of free play for their child with safe, interconnected solutions with Lego Education BricQ motion and unlock more advanced STEAM learning opportunities for deeper understanding.