3 Tips to Embrace Play-Based Learning in our Yoga Classrooms (Interview)
As educators and parents, many of us struggle with the balancing act of including both engaging play-based learning experiences and meeting the demands of educational curriculum.
In the interview below, Amy Nielsen of Planning Playtime and I will talk about the importance of play-based learning, making education not only effective but also enjoyable for children.
Amy shares valuable insights into how to simply and successfully incorporate play-based learning activities to enrich our classrooms and yoga classes—and make learning fun!
3 Tips to Embrace Play-Based Learning in our Classrooms and Kids Yoga Classes
Below are three important tips to integrate play-based learning, which Amy shares in our interview. These tips can ease the burden of over-scheduled curriculums and bring joy back into learning!
1. Embrace Play and Movement for Improved Learning in Your Yoga Classroom
Amy Nielsen of Planning Playtime suggests starting with small, playful changes to make massive strides in children’s engagement and learning.
Incorporating play-based learning doesn’t mean a complete overhaul of current practices. Instead, begin with integrating props into your teaching methods or using movement to manage the energetic buzz of young learners (just like in Amy’s example of a school choir).
Such lively strategies help engage children and increase attention spans but also contribute significantly to cognitive development, making learning more relevant and meaningful.
Remember, play-based learning doesn’t necessarily mean chaos–balance it with quieter activities to nurture a rich, versatile educational experience. Be inspired by Yoga Sutra 2.46, which can be translated as: “We need a balance of both effort and surrender in life.”
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2. Model Playfulness and Having Fun in your Yoga Classroom
As adults with unwavering pressure and limitless demands, we often forget the power of having fun and being playful.
However, a learning environment that is light-hearted and fun can resonate strongly with children. By modeling playfulness ourselves, we invite kids to explore and learn without fear of judgment.
Enthusiasm is contagious, and when educators display genuine excitement about learning, it can ignite a child’s passion for discovery and help to release built-up tension or stress.
Amy emphasizes the need to let go of adult inhibitions and engage wholeheartedly in playful education. This not only boosts children’s willingness to participate but also supports their social-emotional learning as they navigate this complex modern world.
3. Incremental Progress and Consistency are Key
In the interview below, Amy Nielsen of Planning Playtime reminds us that making positive changes in our educational methods doesn’t have to be daunting.
Embrace the concept of 1% gains—incremental changes that add up to substantial growth over time (see Atomic Habits by James Clear). If introducing play into areas like morning meetings, circle time, and math centers seems overwhelming, know that even the most minuscule progress is better than none.
Making an effort to connect with children on a deeper level through play will ultimately benefit you and your students—for them to not only learn effectively, but also be seen and heard.
Amy Nielsen’s insights advocate for a more joyful, vibrant education where play is not just an activity but an essential component of learning. By merging the demands of educational curriculum with the inherent playful nature of children, we can foster environments where the seeds of curiosity grow into trees of knowledge.
In our interview, we highlight the capacity of playful learning to meet students where they are and address the diverse needs within a classroom setting. For a deeper dive into the transformative power of play in education, check out Amy’s Raising Healthy Kid Brains podcast and explore her Planning Playtime website. Let’s make learning a playground for the mind, one small step at a time!
Watch “How to Create Play-Based Learning Experiences in your Yoga Classes” Interview Here
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