Child development experts agree that play is very important in learning and emotional development of children. It provides children with hands-on- experiences with water, sand, plaster, mud, shells, and twigs. Play is multifaceted and can be used as an enjoyable learning tool. Functional play helps children to develop and practice skills. This kind of play is normally done with toys or objects that are stackable, can be filled with water or sand or playing outdoors. Water play and sand play are favorites among preschool children and a valuable teaching tool. Constructive play is characterized by building or creating something. Toys that encourage this type of play are simple puzzles, building blocks, easy crafts and activities; while hands and fingers are the best first art tools.
This project focuses on such activities and provides age appropriate high quality teaching learning materials which are suitable for children who are in ECD centers. The PMU will prepare a package which includes play oriented educational materials such as toys, blocks and shapes, sand trays, puzzles and measuring devices and even reading materials in all three mediums – Sinhala, English and Tamil.
These are carefully selected by an expert committee.
