Learning Through Play

At Kaurihohore we believe that the most important way for children to learn is through play.

Genuine, self-directed play.

Play allows children to develop social and emotional skills through experience.  It builds resilient learners who readily make the most of mistakes and use these as tools for further learning.  Play allows children to take responsible risks and build a true awareness of self.  It allows children to use their natural creativity to explore their world.  Curriculum comes alive through play. 

Rather than being trivial, play involves deep thinking and reflection.  We have found encouraging an environment with play as the driving force has reduced anxiety and increased happiness.

Rather than distracting children from learning, play gives children increased focus and academically it has huge benefits. 

We value play, we value children, we have seen the positive benefits and understand how important it is that children are allowed time to play.

Play is an approach that allows us to focus on social and emotional development while encouraging children to develop learning dispositions that will benefit them for life.

Play also allows us to take into account developmental needs of individual children and tailor our approaches to the individual.

Play is beneficial for all ages and is used as an approach right across the school.