Play is the foundation of life-long learning

Holistic learning at The Vines

A holistic approach to learning and development sees the child as a person who wants to learn, the task as a meaningful whole and the whole as greater than the sum of its parts. 

Human development can be thought of in terms of cognitive (hinengaro), physical (tinana), emotional (whatumanawa), spiritual (wairua), and social and cultural dimensions. These are all closely linked and affect each other, so it’s important to see the whole picture when understanding a child’s development.

Because children grow and learn in many different ways, they need a broad and rich learning experience that helps them develop in all these areas. When our teachers (kaiako) at The Vines focus on one area of learning, they also think about how it connects to other areas and how it supports a child’s overall development.

Building physical and social skills

Active play, and good-quality sedentary time spent in interactive non-screen-based activities such as reading, storytelling, singing and puzzles, are so very important for child development.

At The Vines Early Learning Centre in Henderson, we encourage our little ones to be involved in active play. Just like the experts at the WHO, our expert team at The Vines is very aware of how crucial play and interactive activities are during the first five years of life.

Play is central to learning because it engages children’s natural curiosity, fostering cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development in a fun and meaningful way.

The importance of play in early childhood development

Activities like dancing, tackling outdoor obstacle courses, playing with water, hanging out in our sandpit or imaginative games help build physical fitness, coordination, and social skills. The activities promote healthy physical growth and encourage teamwork cooperation, creativity and resilience and our Vines’ children love them.

Reading, storytelling, and singing are key to children’s language and cognitive skills. Our reading corner is where caregivers and children go on wonderful journeys together. Storytelling sessions encourage imagination and comprehension.

Hands-on creative activities such as working with play dough, painting, and puzzles encourage fine motor skill development and artistic expression. The Vines’ kids love paintings with brushes, sponges, and hands, letting their imaginations come to life. Playdough sessions are equally popular, where children mould and shape their creations, often alongside caregivers.

Building healthy bodies and minds at the Vines

Early childhood is a time of rapid physical and cognitive development. It is when we form lifelong habits. Playing, and enjoying interactive activities will positively contribute to children’s motor and cognitive development and lifelong health.