Preschool students learn through play at Rice Lake Elementary School

On April 17 during a visit to Rice Lake Elementary School, a stop to early childhood teacher Pam Mol’s afternoon class offered a look at how four-year-olds are learning and growing each day. 

Students had just returned from the school’s media center to their classroom set up with a variety of play-based activities to choose from during discovery time. At tables, students used finger paint to explore color and texture or glued material to a poster, building their fine motor skills. 

Nearby, students engaged in dramatic play as pet owners and veterinarians caring for stuffed animals while practicing communication, sharing and problem-solving. 

Across the classroom students took turns riding a stationary bicycle building strength and balance, and worked with wooden blocks and puzzles to build and design. 

In another area of the classroom, students worked on early writing and social skills in a small group at a table with markers and a whiteboard, sharing ideas and asking questions. 

The visit highlighted how play-based learning experiences in Community Education’s Early Childhood & Family Education (EC&FE) prekindergarten classrooms help students grow socially, emotionally and academically through belonging, connection and support.