Play is an intrinsic activity of the human being, a process that drives the relationship with the world. Children, of course, are fascinated by it: running after a ball, hiding, acting like adults and giving objects a different meaning. “A glasses case can be a telephone, a microphone or the mouth of a crocodile. Transforming these everyday objects stimulates many learnings such as language or social relationships,” explained Laura Guzmán, pedagogical leader and game expert at aeioTU.
In this way, games are also a tool for learning, knowledge assimilation and evaluation. An alternative to promote more dynamic and productive educational spaces for students. Even universities like Harvard have implemented it with Serious Games, since the games can cover any age.
According to Guzmán, intentionality is the most substantial aspect of this methodology. It is not about letting children play just because, “but because behind the game there is an intention to promote learning and enhance their development.”. The process of the game is more important than the result; This is where the strategy is soughtthe options are analyzed, decisions are made, agreements are built and community work is consolidated,” he noted.
It is inevitable to think about games and not just focus on fun. The adrenaline generated by outmaneuvering opponents or the desire to complete a mission. It happens on the trading floor and in role-playing games. According to Catalina Zuleta, rector of Gimnasio Fontana, it is through play that students learn to work collaboratively with a purpose.“and this implies recognizing oneself in order to recognize the other and thus respect and value diversity. The game allows people to express and regulate emotions within an environment determined by the rules, in such a way that learning can be transferable to other spheres of their lives. For the board, the game is precisely the ideal scenario to learn to win or lose, “to manage frustration, to be flexible and creative.”
At the Fontana Gym, play is approached from a methodological perspective, understanding that curiosity, imagination, freedom and joy are innate characteristics in childhood. “There is no learning without motivation and it is through play that children discover the world. The game is inherent to our methodology. What if? Creative Thinking expressed in seven verbs: connect, explore, ask, doubt, integrate, grow and innovate,” explained Zuleta.
In Colombia, early childhood public policy legitimizes play as a learning method; However, the most important thing is that teachers are willing to implement it. “Adapt it to the curricula has not been easy because there is enormous resistance on the part of the teachers. It is difficult to take the step of formal education, which has accompanied us for years to design new processes,” said Mónica Brijaldo, director of the Training Department of the Javeriana University.
According to Guzmán, we have to change our mentality and link games to everyday life. Creating a simple play corner that challenges traditional classroom education is the first step.
