“Free choice is the magical key that unlocks the doors of exploration and nurtures the flourishing spirit of young minds. It is in this realm of freedom that their imagination take flight, their confidence soars, and their love for learning becomes an everlasting flame.”

Twenty nine years and counting, our school has been a trailblazer, ahead of its time in pre-primary education strategies. In 2023, we proudly stand amongst the leading schools, nurturing girls from their very foundations. From years of my experience in engaging, teaching and learning with the children, I have gained an understanding of the significance of expanding the concept of Free Choice and introducing decision-making skills at an appropriate age. Embracing the vibrant world of activities, playfulness, colors, and active participation in working with children requires the perfect balance of inspiration and understanding.

Today, I want to take a moment to celebrate the wonders of Free Choice Time in our preprimary classroom. As a teacher, I strongly believe in the power of play and independent exploration for young learners. It is during these moments that children’s imaginations soar, friendships blossom, and important skills are developed. I ensure that the learning environment is carefully set up with various interest areas, including art, blocks, dramatic play, sensory play, and literacy corners. As a preprimary teacher, I am continually inspired by the boundless creativity and growth I witness during this time.

Free Choice: Nurturing curiosity and independence

During Free Choice time, our students have the freedom to choose activities that interest them the most. They have the opportunity to explore different toys, games, and materials that capture their attention. This time allows them to learn through play and discovery, engaging their minds and bodies while having fun. It also provides a platform for social interaction and learning how to collaborate with others. As children engage in uninterrupted play, they develop their imagination, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills.

During a role-play session, I witnessed a beautiful interaction where one student eagerly took the initiative to assign roles while playing. She said, “You make the tea, and I will make food for everyone so that you don’t get tired.” This kind of imaginative play encourages creativity, empathy, and cooperation, nurturing essential skills for their overall development.

During free choice time in my class, I observed a student deeply engaged in an imaginative play scenario with toy animals. She had a wide assortment of animal figures and a small playset resembling a jungle. Within this setup, she constructed an exciting storyline where the animals embarked on a thrilling adventure through the jungle. What truly impressed me was her seamless integration of her existing knowledge about different animals, their habitats, and their behaviors into her play. With remarkable creativity, she brought her imaginative world to life, incorporating details that reflected her understanding of the animal kingdom.Interestingly, as her play unfolded, other students became captivated and joined her in the activity. Together, they participated in this engaging experience, fostering collaboration, communication, and cooperation amongst themselves.

Through this imaginative play, the student not only developed her cognitive abilities but also honed essential social skills. This included cultivating teamwork, effectively communicating with peers, and working collaboratively towards a shared goal.

Overall, this Free Choice activity exemplified the power of imaginative play in promoting holistic development and creating meaningful interactions among students. It showcased how children can leverage their prior knowledge, exercise their creativity, and foster positive relationships in a playful and engaging manner.

Furthermore, they demonstrate support for one another and actively engage in the tasks at hand, exemplifying the characteristics of a self-directed learner and a collaborator. It is noteworthy that they utilize mathematical vocabulary while conversing with each showcasing their understanding and application of mathematical concepts in their play-based interactions, for instance when one of my students made bangle using play dough and said “I made a bangle and its circle in shape”.

The preprimary classroom is a magical place where children’s minds and hearts bloom. By creating a nurturing environment, embracing play-based learning, personalizing instruction, fostering language development, nurturing social and emotional skills, and cultivating strong parent-teacher collaboration, we lay the groundwork for lifelong learning and success. For me it has always been a privilege to guide and inspire these young minds, recognizing the immense potential within each child and preparing them to thrive in their educational journey and beyond. In my  classroom I  aspire and dream to see children grow into confident self-directed learners, effective communicators, considerate collaborators and dynamic community builders.

I celebrate and encourage these diverse talents, ensuring that every child feels seen, valued, and supported in their explorations. To capture the magic of Free Choice Time, I regularly document and reflect upon the student’s experiences. Photographs, videos, and anecdotal notes provide valuable insights into their growth and learning. Sharing these observations with parents through Learning Diaries in the form of Portfolios helps them to gain a deeper understanding of their child’s development .

ANUJA BERI
CO-ORDINATOR
PRE-PRIMARY