As a university level Arabic language instructor, there is no a real space to let my students play in the classroom. The most we play in the classroom is having competitions in vocabulary or grammar for singular and plural, or asking them to act out a play they read. Instead of playing in the classroom, my students keep connected to the Arab world by doing their research to prepare their presentations on what they are learning. I let them explore the Arab world and culture outside the classroom. I plan field trips for them to eat in Arabic restaurants, go to Arabic concerts, and visit Arabic exhibits when they are available through acceptable distance in Pennsylvania or the other close states.
Reading the article All I Really Need to Know(About Creative Thinking) Learned (By Studying How Children Learn) in Kindergarten reminded me of my youngest daughter Laila and her time spent at Lansdale Montessori School for her pre-K and KG years.The Montessori method of teaching is based on the freedom of the child to explore and learn, mostly, through self-direction. Maria Montessori (the founder of the Montessori method) stressed the importance of learning through the senses and incorporated them into the materials. Laila's classrooms were full of sensorial and practical life activity materials. The role of Montessori teachers is to inspire, demonstrate, and facilitate, but not to lecture. If you would like to learn more about Montessori and their activities, please visit their website at http://www.ourmontessorihome.com/
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