Playing on Purpose: SD83’s Playful Learning

On Friday, October 25, 2024, educators across SD83 gathered to engage in some deep, playful learning. The session, hosted at Hillcrest Elementary School, was presented in partnership with SD83 and Shuswap Children’s Association (SCA). The day was facilitated by a team of dedicated professionals including Allison de Boer (SD83 District Vice Principal-Early Learning & Child Care), Trish Schubert (SCA, Supported Child Coordinator/Consultant), and Tanya Timoffee (SCA, CCRR Child Care Support Coordinator).

During the session educators explored the research behind playful learning, considered environments, materials, routines, and structures that promote play, delved into the pedagogy of play, investigated links to First Peoples Principles of Learning, Inclusive learning, the BC Early Learning Framework and revised BC Primary Program (which recognizes play as one of the 5 foundations for learning) and engaged in hands-on playful learning invitations. It was a diverse group in attendance, with 37 participants including ECEs, primary teachers, intermediate teachers, specialist teachers (music, literacy support), librarians, counsellors, and CEAs. This session was the first in a two-part series, open to educators from community and school district. The second session will be offered on February 16th and explore Story Workshop within the context of playful inquiry and learning.  

The “Playing on Purpose” initiative aligns with key priority areas of the District Strategic Plan 2023-2028 :

• Intellectual Development: Children learn through play. Educators intentionally create playful learning experiences connected to curriculum and core competencies. Play is infused with rich opportunities to develop skills related to oral language (a key component of literacy), communication, creative and critical thinking, and problem-solving.
• Human and Social Development: Play is inclusive, culturally responsive, honours children’s gifts and interests, and supports the development of positive relationships with teachers and peers.
• Community Partnership Development: This two-part learning series represents a partnership between SD83 and Shuswap Children’s Association. By extending the invitation to community as well as school-based educators, we are further strengthening our relationship with the broader early years community.