One method of early childhood education is a method of playing. Early children spend their time to playing. Formal or informal educational institutions that accept early age students should provide the media of the game.
Based on the research and philosophy of Jean Piaget, which posits that play meets the physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social needs (PILES) of children. Children's curiosity and imagination naturally evoke learning when unfettered. Learning through play will allow a child to develop cognitively. Thus, children learn more efficiently and gain more knowledge through activities such as dramatic play, art, and social games.
For children an early age, playing is an activity that provides pleasure and satisfaction. Play activities be flexible and not serious. Play means practicing, exploiting, manipulating, repeating any exercise that can be done to transform imaginatively the same things as adults.
There are at least three ways in which play is important for young children: skill development, social development, and imagination and creativity. Learning occurs in all areas of development as young children play—and the learning, too, is for keeps.
I had an interesting experience on an early childhood education institutions in my area. The classroom for early childhood education is as comfortable as possible, as if the child were in their own home. In the classroom there are several mattresses, so the early childhood here can sleep freely. Even there are some children who went to sleep, perhaps because tired of playing. But there were also children who jumped on the mattress. Children are free to play here.
In the classroom there are also objects for educative games. Early child who is not yet fluent talk will be introduced some objects. The teacher repeated the word and the child followed slowly. Three children will be guided by a female teacher.
Early childhood education needs to pay attention to five childhood development domains that include: physical, social, emotional, language, and cognitive skills. Through the play method, I think the five domains of development can be realized. Because by playing can help the growth of children. In addition, play can also broaden children's interest in their environment. Children feel free when playing, without any intimidation from other parties. When playing, children also have curiosity, so they will investigate something and they can also learn what adults do.
Being a teacher for early childhood education is a huge responsibility. I salute to them. If I became a teacher for early childhood, I might give up 😊