Incorporating play-based learning into the classroom can effectively promote creativity, problem-solving, and divergent thinking. Divergent thinking is essentially the process of creating multiple solutions to a problem or generating unique ideas. In our world today, we need divergent thinkers, and as educators, we should create learning environments that support creativity, problem-solving, inquiry, and divergent thinking. From my perspective, play-based philosophy is the most effective way to create a learning environment that encourages the development of these skills.

Let’s take a moment to define play. The Oxford Dictionary defines play as “to participate in” or “to actively engage in for enjoyment.” Now let’s consider the definition of learning, “the acquisition of knowledge or skills through experience, study, or being taught.” (Oxford Dictionary) Now, let’s connect those two concepts. Play-based philosophy is the idea that learning is acquired through a play-based experience that students take part in and engage in for enjoyment. 

Creativity, imagination, problem-solving, and ultimately diverse perspectives and divergent thinking in education are crucial to effective teaching. Integrating play-based activities in education encourages students to engage with the material more creatively and enjoyable, leading to increased retention, understanding of the content, experience in finding solutions to real-world problems, and fosters a growth mindset. All while encouraging students to think outside the box. Therefore, learning is enjoyable when experienced through play-based activities.

Sir Ken Robinson gave an excellent talk on Changing Education Paradigms, discussing divergent thinking. I love the longitude study he examines. The video is 11 minutes and worth watching. In addition, Edutopia published an article back in 2015 on Fueling Creativity in the Classroom with Divergent Thinking by Stacey Goodman. In the article, the author talks about strategies to fuel imagination, creativity, and divergent thinking. The article discussed adding opportunities in your classroom for students to engage in art, music, and inquiry. I agree with all of these and would add engaging in play-based learning activities. No matter what level of education you teach, play is a critical aspect of learning. We are free to decide, choose, and utilize our assets when we engage in play-based learning.

Here are five ways I recommend integrating play-based learning into your curriculum. 

1. Integrate games, role-playing, and scenarios into learning to encourage divergent thinking, strategic thinking, and problem-solving

2. Integrate project-based or problem-based learning to promote inquiry and creativity

3. Integrate brain breaks and music to release stress and help students refocus 

4. Integrate art and opportunities to create through creative projects, mind maps, drawing, coloring, or making posters

5. Integrate learner-directed choice time where learners can choose play-based activities to promote imagination and creativity