Children learning through Play

A conversation with Dr. Theresa Lock

by Dr. Desiree Cremer

I had a fascinating conversation with Dr. Theresa (Terry) Lock on my podcast, What Stirs, Dr. Lock discusses the importance of play in early childhood and elementary school education. She states that children learn through play, and it is a component of how children learn.

She acknowledges that some educators do not see play as learning and instead use worksheets because it is easier. 

Dr. Lock states that the benefits of play for children are “imaginative thinking, learning how to problem solve and interact with people.” Children she states need play in and out of the classroom. 

As students, lunch and recess are getting shorter; students are so scheduled, especially during school. Why are some teachers holding back elementary school children during recess to do work? Dr. Lock said it eloquently, children need to take a break. Yes, even adults need a break.

She provides the rationale for the importance of play for early childhood and elementary school children. 

Here are some references provided by Dr. Lock 

Play in the Context of Standards and Accountability

The following articles from the National Association of Education of Young Children (NAEYC) were selected by Dr. Theresa ‘Terry’ Lock of the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Education.

The Case of Brain Science and Guided Play

Observing, Planning, Guiding: How an intentional teacher meets standards through play

Joyful Learning in Kindergarten

Playful Math Instruction in the Context of Standards and Accountability

In addition, Dr. Terry Lock’s Dissertation (Aug. 2017) entitled, “Exploring Teachers’ Perceptions on Incorporating Playful Learning in the 21st Century Kindergarten” can be found on the following link: https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/handle/10125/62720