In recent years across the globe, a troubling trend has emerged. Some individuals argue that primary schools pay more attention to formal education than other aspects of learning such as play. I strongly agree with this view because numerous subjects have been added to elementary schools’ curriculum recently. While learning improves literacy level, playing promotes social life, which are beneficial to younger ones.
To begin, one major reason primary school tutors prioritise academic learning in primary schools is due to the mirage of courses they are supposed to teach on a daily basis. This is due to the fact that a lot of subjects are being taught in schools these days, and as a result, teachers work hard to ensure that they complete their syllabus before the end of the term and most times, they encroach into play periods. Thereby, limiting fun time among these learners. For instance, if tutors are not able to accomplish their goals by the end of every academic session, they might be penalized, and in order to curb this, they tend to pay little or no attention to play periods, which could be at the detriment of the young ones.
On the other hand, can children really benefit if play is completely scrapped out in elementary schools? Just like learning improves their ability to read, write as well as numeracy levels, playing also enhances social life, communication skills and critical thinking ability. When both are made compulsory in primary schools, a balance is being created, making learning easy and swift to comprehend. For example, study shows that children who participate in school drama, story telling in classrooms, tend to communicate effectively and feel more relaxed while expressing themselves to their teachers and classmates. Therefore, constructive play in classrooms as well as study if well managed, improves understanding, interaction, and problem-solving abilities.
In conclusion, Although I completely agree that primary schools focus too much on academic teaching because of many subjects they have to teach, neglecting the importance of fun time while learning in primary school classes could impact negatively on learning and social lives. Hence, learners should not be deprived of both activities as they work together to improve outcome.