Head Start Students Learn Through Play

posted 3/8/19 -- If you've ever spent time with young children, you know they learn through play. Research into exactly how they learn through play was a major component in the development of Creative Curriculum now used in all LCCAA Head Start classrooms.

Students conduct in-depth investigations of a topic over several weeks with activities designed to address each of the 38 learning objectives Head Start requires. 

"The studies begin with a discussion of what the children know and what they want to learn about the topic," said Jennifer Bartlebaugh, Education and Disabilities Specialist. "A neat feature of the studies is that children research answers to their questions about the topic (through books, hands-on exploration and experiences, videos on smartboard, pictures, etc)."

Recent studies have included pets and music. During the investigation, teachers will plan WOW experiences where someone might come in from the community and share about the topic with the children, Bartlebaugh said. For example, during the Pet Study, Lakewood High School teacher Cory Streets brought some of his classroom reptiles to visit his wife's Head Start classroom at Hopkins-Locke.

Mr. Streets brought in a rat, two snakes, abearded dragon and a lizard. The children's questions included: How many animals does he have in his classroom? What do snakes eat? Do bearded dragons fly and blow fire?

Studies end with celebrations, such as one recently conducted in Rooms 12 and 13 at Hopkins-Locke. Students put on a presentation for parents and students by jamming to Elvis Presley music with the guitars they made as part of their investigation.

Enrollment for Head Start for 2019-2020 is now open. Click here for an application.