Playing and learning are often thought to compete for time in students' lives. However, recent studies are showing that children need an integration of play during each day for better learning.
Finland’s educational structure allows all students to receive 45 minutes of instruction each hour and then go outside to play for 15 minutes. Regardless of the weather, students are encouraged to go outside to sled, run or participate in other forms of play for the 15 minutes. An article in Smithsonian Magazine, reports that “ninety-three percent of Finns graduate from academic or vocational high schools, 17.5 percentage points higher than the United States, and 66 percent go on to higher education, the highest rate in the European Union. Yet Finland spends about 30 percent less per student than the United States.” (Hancock, 2013)
Just walking around in nature has also been shown to improve cognitive skills as well reduce anxiety. Free play in nature has many benefits to child development and learning.
In addition to playing, incorporating music in your child’s life can improve their academic abilities. Many studies are looking at the benefits of music in learning as well. One recent study indicates significant long-term academic gains of students that learn music at an early age. Another such study, conducted by Behavioural Brain Research, found that musically trained children are shown to have greater auditory, phonological and working memory skills.
Here at Darlington, we encourage students to take breaks during finals. We suggest that they run, exercise and play. Students can be seen playing ping pong, playing chess, running or tossing balls during final exams in addition to studying. We encourage all parents, students and faculty to incorporate play daily to improve learning. Movement during studying is a great way to increase comprehension. In the Teaching and Learning Center, many students sit on yoga balls to study. The gentle balancing helps to promote deeper cognitive abilities. Studies are showing that the free play that we did when we were younger did increase our intellect and reasoning skills. Singing and playing are essential in every child’s life and should be encouraged daily.
