Contact Us

+44 (0)208 687 6000opportunities@pingusenglish.com

Play-based learning: exploring the future of education for the younger generation.

Latest News

Parents love to see their children play when they are babies, spending hours playing with them and seeing them develop. So why when they are ready to start their child’s learning journey at school, do parents fear that play-based learning is too fun and not rigorous enough?

Now the tide has started to turn as research is beginning to show that play-based learning can be more effective in preparing children to start formal schooling than more traditional methods.

But what does Play-based learning exactly mean? Does it also include Physical development? Does a stress free learning process help kids achieve long term skills?

play-based learning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Play-based learning harnesses the natural curiosity and sense of discovery of young children to enable them to explore their wider world.

Skilled teachers create play experiences that children are naturally drawn to and interested in, creating intentional opportunities to embed concepts such as maths, reading and writing in a context which is more relevant to each child as an individual.

For example, if a teacher intends to explore areas of maths and reading, they will do so in the context of the play the children are enjoying.

For some children this may involve reading and researching facts about their favorite animal, for others counting things they see on a nature walk, while others may explore counting through building with blocks or resources.

How does it compare to traditional teaching?

In a traditional model, the teacher and knowledge are prioritized in the learning process, while in a play-based environment, the children are at the heart of every activity and skills are developed alongside knowledge.

In the past acquiring a defined set of knowledge structured around established topics (such as history, maths, geography, etc.) was believed to be the key to unlocking success in adult life.

Now we know that knowledge alone is not enough, children need the problem solving and logical reasoning skills to keep up with a rapidly changing world. These skills can be achieved also through a play-based Physical development activity.

There is no longer a blueprint for success in life – children need the skills, versatility and perseverance to create their own.

play-based learning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What can it offer?
Research has suggested that child immersed in a well-run play-based environment can improve their development by up to 5 months more than peers in a non-play environment in just one academic year.

Studies have shown substantial benefits for both developmental and academic skills, creating students with enhanced problem solving, reasoning and communication skills. Play creates a brain that has increased “flexibility and improved potential for learning later in life” (Lester & Russell, 2008).

“Children who engage in quality play experiences are more likely to have well-developed memory skills, language development, and are able to regulate their behavior, leading to enhanced school adjustment and academic learning” (Bodrova & Leong). Academics have also highlighted the positive effects of the approach for children with social, educational or emotional difficulties.

Play is extremely important for brain development in young children. It’s believed that play shapes the structural design of the brain, and provides active exploration that helps in building and strengthening brain pathways, according to Lennie Barblett, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Education and the Arts, Edith Cowan University.

What do parents need to know?

ENVIRONMENT: Teachers will need to put time, effort and thought into planning intentional play options to meet the needs of their students – luckily Pingu’s English has taken the stress out of this with our day-to-day lesson plans for both our International Kindergarten and Language Training programs.

Teachers will take an active role in creating a stimulating environment with the associated resources to ensure that children’s play is as productive as possible.

play-based learning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAKING LEARNING VISIBLE: Just as the learning process puts children at the heart of the classroom, so does the assessment of their learning.

Children will regularly reflect on their own choices and give feedback, as will their parents.

A portfolio of learning will be created for each child including: writing, arts and crafts, photos, videos, and many other options, which will clearly demonstrate progression to a parent but will perhaps be different from traditional expectations.

play-based learning

THE ROLE OF TEACHERS: Teachers are never passive in the play-based learning classroom. They are facilitators, assessors, questioners and demonstrators – supporting and guiding children in their learning journeys, but not dictating how learning should take place. Highly skilled, trained and motivated teachers are essential to create an effective play-based environment, which continues to pose exciting challenges as students’ progress.

*
Contact our Franchising Expert team to find out more about our innovative curricula for English language teaching and international kindergarten, and the exciting opportunities they can offer in your market!

More News

How to get parents ready for the new school year

Going back to school can be daunting for children, it brings about a lot of changes that are both exciting and a…
Read More

Pingu's English to launch in Bangladesh

Pingu's English, the global education franchise from the UK, has today announced a new exclusive Master Franchise partnership for Bangladesh with Dhaka-based…
Read More

Pingu's English Cyprus announce further expansion for new academic year 

Pingu’s English Cyprus are currently making preparations to re-open all their existing popular English language training schools for children next month, as…
Read More

Testimonials

We at the British Chamber of Commerce worked with Linguaphone Group to find them a new in-market partner for the Korean market. Throughout the engagement we had with Linguaphone Group, we found them to be passionate about education, supremely professional in their approach to business and both responsive and personable in their interactions with ourselves and Korean partners. Korean investors were attracted to the best-in-class program which Linguaphone Group offers, the strong reputation of the company and the heritage with which it is associated. These are qualities that resonate globally.

British Chamber Korea

 Sean Blakeley, BCCK CEO

Our Experience with Pingu’s English has been profitable and positive from the first year. We relied on their professionalism and heritage, their staff is always prompt to assist with the latest trends and ideas on the market. We were looking for a brand who can guarantee us quality and a solid method but at the same time would leave us the freedom and flexibility in order to succeed in our challenging and competitive market like the Italian one. We built Pingu’s English project in Italy by mixing their huge international experience in the English training with our knowledge of the Italian market. All this enabled us to do the right decision for our winning investment. Today we have over 40 Pingu’s English centres and thousands of happy children learning English.

Daniele Arboit

Pingu's English Master Franchisee Italy

From our first training session in London 2009- from the academic side to customer service -we felt confident and well equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful Pingu’s English Master Licensees” At the moment, our services to all 23 networked schools across the country are effectively and efficiently backed by Pingu’s English.  No doubt that we see no limit to expand our business to cover 30,000+ schools in the near future!

Nipat Ungpakornkaew

Pingu's English Master Licensee Thailand

I knew about Pingu’s English School through a friend. After research about the school, I decided to enroll my daughter and it was one of the best things I could do to her. She loves studying at Pingu’s English and she cannot wait to the day of the class. I also love Pingu's English School, because there she learns by playing and I can see her progress day by day.

Léia Rodrigues

Pingu's English Student's mother / Brazil

Now she is studying at Pingu’s English School, my daughter only wants to talk to me in English and she is always singing the songs.

Cristiane Doimo

Pingu's English Student's mother /Brazil

Regarding the teaching method they use a figurative storytelling way of starting the lesson,  trying hard to involve the child and make the them curious about the situation. Tom is very happy to go to Pingu’s English because he perceives the School as a playful moment and not just as a learning moment while at the same time he is learning a new language

Veronica

Pingu's English Student's Mother /Italy

We love Pingu’s English School because the school gives my son the opportunity to learn and develop different skills, especially English skills. He is excited every time to go to school and is always happy when he comes home.

Sapavoot Preedawipart

Pingu's English Student's Mother/ Thailand

Pingu’s English School is not just a school; it is as a second home for my kid. I like it when I see my kid growing and learning in a friendly and safe atmosphere. Most of all, I can see a lot of improvement in his English listening and speaking skills

Piyatida Tudteam

Pingu's English Student's Mother/Thailand

I have being running my own school for 15 years. When I met Pingu’s English, it was love at first sight. Now I am offering the best English Course available to my students and they are loving it as well as their parents. Thank you Pingu’s English!

Giedre Paula

Pingu’s English Unit Franchisee in State of Mato Grosso do Sul

Brazil is a huge Market and the preschool english education industry is growing very fast. All our franchisees are happy with the Pingu’s English methodology as well as the operational manuals Liguaphone offers to Unit Licensees. They feel very well assisted.

Ronaldo Vieira

Pingu's English Master Franchisee in State of Sao Paulo

Abbas always tells me that Pingu's English is the most fun he has all day. I am very glad that this place makes him feel that way and noticeably develop his language skills too

Ali

Pingu's English Student's Father/Bahrain

Our students are very enthusiastic in studying at Pingu’s English. They always tell us how much fun and how much they learn here. Parents also keep saying how proud they are with the knowledge and improvements their children are making.

Willian Veloso Rocha

Pingu’s English Unit Franchisee in State of São Paulo