Five play-based learning activities to do with your new students!

 It’s natural for students to feel stressed and hesitant on the first day of school.  Whether its students starting school or starting a new grade, there is always a hesitation among students. And sadly there isn’t much that teachers are doing to counter those feelings.

The importance of the first day of school is unmatched. So is the importance of the growth of the students in the primary and tertiary education institutions in the GCC. There is, however, a need for teachers to work on students to allow them to enjoy their very first day at school with fun play-based learning activities.

Moreover, a lot can be achieved by using games and fun activities to create interest in students and to help them enjoy their time at the educational institution, starting the very first day. UK curriculum schools in Dubai ensure that children are provided with equal opportunities of learning and play ensuring they stay attentive and learn well.

Five fun play-based learning activities to do with your new students!

Children love playing games, and they’re bound to love school if It starts with some playful activities. And why not, play-based learning is all about allowing students to indulge in guided  play while they learn and to learn while they play.  It’s a lovely combination that works well to create a well-learned happy child in school. Read below to know how you can interest your students on the first day of school:

Find a friend

An ideal way to allow children to mingle and make friends on the very first day of school!  Students receive worksheets which include a list of topics including games, food, sports and so on. Students are supposed to pick their favourite items.

 The sheets are distributed to the students allowing them to mark items with a pencil.  Allow students to look for class fellows who have the same favourites as them (some or most items would do). The activity allows them topics for conversation, and they can talk about the common things between them.

Name search

A spin on the classic “word search” uses student names as hidden words. Place a copy on each desk. It’s fun to see students complete the puzzle in excitement, and if they’re hung up, students can help each other out, initiating and maintaining a conversation.

The complimenting game!

Comprehensively names, the game allows compliment sharing between students.  Tape a paper on your students’ back and allow other students to write compliments. For kindergarteners who haven't yet learnt the art of writing, use emojis to   compliment the other children.

Once all the kids have received compliments, remove the paper, and read out the compliments in front of the class. This is a wonderful way to boost self-esteem and confidence in students. IT also helps children feel good about themselves.

 Decorate with me

Since it’s the first day of school, children will be enthusiastic about decorating their classrooms walls.  Invite them into the classroom, and guide them as they prepare material that is going to be a part of the walls for the rest of their stay in the class.

Make it interesting and allow older students to write down the goals they expect to accomplish by the end of the year. It acts as a motivating agent for them to maintain their performance throughout the year.

“Would you rather” game

Since it’s the first day of school and children are probably unwilling to indulge in conversations, use games to bring out the talker in them. Allow them to make up combinations to fill up the classic question. Eg:

•    Would you rather go skiing or skating

•    Would you rather eat chicken or fish

These questions again provide ample opportunities for children to identify who they can get along well and also help in the determination of their choices!

Take away!

Children, especially newcomers may be excited to attend school, but they are always a little hesitant, in the presence of a new teacher, new students and new classrooms. It's up to teachers to get them to settle down in their classrooms and mingle without hesitation.

Although some people may find games frivolous and a waste of time, schools today understand the importance of play in their everyday learning activities . The main reason top quality schools are implementing play-based learning in their teaching to encourage students to learn.

If you’re a teacher supporting play based, fun and interactive learning in children through games whether on the first day or throughout the year, opt for UK curriculum schools in Dubai, and you will feel right at home with the advanced teaching methodologies!