Why games are good for learning?

Games benefit children in many areas like those of cognitive, social, emotional and communication and language development too.  Also it will capture children’s attention in learning. Take a look at the info-graphic below for an overview of why games are good for leaning.

Why Games are Good for Learning

I like to play treasure hunt, word games and many more with my niece and nephews. They really enjoyed it. In the treasure hunt game, in order to rescue Pirate Jack from the tree, they have to make four words using the letters on the coconuts. They can repeat this game as many times as they wish. I am thinking of using these games for to play with the children during my practicum period.

Constructing a tower using blocks

While searching the web I found this musical chair reading game for Miss Sporn's class. They invented musical chair in a new way. They placed books on each of the chair and played the music. When the music stopped children needed to stop, sit down and start reading! Then when the music started again they walked around in a circle until the music stopped – then sit down and start reading again.  It seems very interesting and lot of fun and something different to develop our reading interests.

Lining for a game of hopscotch

Don't underestimate child's play. It may look like leisure time,  but when children are playing house, fighting imaginary dragons or organising a game of hopscotch, they're actually developing crucial life skills — and preparing their brains for the challenges of adulthood.

PKM PROCESS AND YOUR PLN

Personal Knowledge Management (PKM) is about taking a personal or individual perspective to Knowledge Management rather than an organisational or corporate one.

In short we have to say PKM is taking responsibility for what you know, who you know- and what they know.

PKM Concept

PKM is mostly focused on individuals who must negotiate and transcend the artificial barriers between their teams, communities of practice, and networks. Inside that person’s head, there are no knowledge barriers. However, discerning with whom and when to share, remains a key part of effective PKM. Social learning requires social intelligence, but organisations have to establish ways to support the multifaceted knowledge worker, or continue to face the knowledge sharing paradox. Understanding that people, not management systems, enable knowledge flow would be a good start.

Reading Alicia's blog  I found she posted some relevant information about PKM and explains it very clearly.

Reflecting on PKM, my thinking is that it connects personal philosophy very well. My personal philosophy of education is primarily based on the ideas of behaviorism. I feel that a behaviorist approach will be necessary in a special child as well as normal child. Behaviorists believe that reinforcement is crucial when it comes to mastering a skill. This is definitely true as most of the students’ need repetition for mastering their skills.

I believe that an effective learning environment begins with a positive climate. Establishing positive classroom environment and strong relationships with students is the first step in proactive behaviour management and individualization. In order to establish these relationships it is imperative to express sensitivity, provide specific positive feedback, and have consistent two-way communication with the families of my students.  The information these relationships will provide will allow me to have greater regard for my students’ perspectives and to better engage my students.