From Karaoke to Computer Coding: How Play-based Learning Guides Kindergarteners

Imagine your child joyfully singing out letter sounds or collaborating with classmates in a game that builds essential skills – this is the heart of our play-based learning approach at the LFC's preschool and Kindergarten programs. Through engaging, hands-on activities, such as board games, creative crafts, and even karaoke, our students build crucial language, socio-emotional, and motor skills while building a lifelong love of learning. 

These playful experiences translate into meaningful learning. Picture children singing catchy tunes that reinforce letter sounds or working together on a syllable-based board game–where players advance based on the number of syllables in a chosen word–naturally developing cooperation and critical thinking skills that set them up for success in elementary school.  By engaging in age-appropriate activities centered around their interests, students form confidence in their abilities as they approach 1st grade.

“When topics are important and culturally relevant to children, they can better identify with the subject and the learning becomes more seamless,” wrote experts at the National Association for the Education of Young Children. “It engages what has been termed active learning that is also developmentally appropriate, and offers a more equitable way of engaging children by increasing access to participation.”

This play-based approach to learning is especially impactful in a bilingual environment, where students strengthen their language skills through games and hands-on activities. For instance, in one of our Kindergarten classes, you might see students using microphones not just for fun, but as a tool to actively listen for and practice the subtle nuances in vowel pronunciation.

In addition to its benefits in a bilingual setting, play-based learning is also a key part of Kindergarten’s “Hour of Code.” This initiative, which teaches students foundational computer and coding commands, uses games like “Lightbot” and “Bee Bots” as an early introduction to computer science. By adding elements of play, students are able to understand the material in a way that’s accessible to them while building confidence in their coding skills.

"We truly believe that these crucial pre-elementary years are a time of incredible growth, and incorporating play-based learning is essential," emphasizes Pascal Léon, Director of Primary School. "When lessons are designed to resonate with their individual interests and abilities, children develop a strong sense of self-assurance and discover the joy of coming to school – a positive foundation that will support them throughout their elementary journey and beyond."

We invite you to visit our preschool to see the transformative power of play-based learning in action. Contact our admissions team at admissions@lyceechicago.org today to learn more about our program and how we can help your child flourish in a nurturing and engaging environment.