The Play Approach In Teaching Language And Literacy For Preschool Education

Play or playing is the natural tendency of a child. As play is a part of a child’s world, the teaching and learning process is more effective if the curriculum is play-based. It is through the activities of playing that a child learns and comprehends issues in his/her environment in settings that are fun but meaningful to them. Experts in early childhood development believe that play stimulates brain functions that could nurtur the cognitive, social, emotional and physical development of a child. It is during play that a child interacts with peers and adults through discussions and questioning. Through play, a child learns to communicate, interact and adapt to his/her environment. In the newly introduced National PreSchool Standard Curriculum much emphasis is made on language skills acquisitions at the preschool level. The main focus of the teaching and learning process is child-centered using the approaches of integrated teaching and learning, theme-based, learning through play, contextual learning and project-based learning. This article will discuss the importance of learning through play approach in the language and literacy development of children. Some examples of the teaching of the Malay language are presented as guide for teachers.