Empowering ECD Practitioners in Bethlehem (Free State)
- 13 hours ago
- 2 min read
Learning and Teaching Through Play
Early Childhood Development (ECD) lays the foundation for lifelong learning and the way young children are taught has a lasting impact on their growth and development.
Recognizing this, a collaborative training workshop on Learning and Teaching Through Play was recently held in Bethlehem, bringing together Maluti ECD Level 4 students and practitioners from the surrounding areas.
This impactful initiative was made possible through a partnership between Maluti TVET College, the Department of Education, and Care for Education. The training aimed to equip both aspiring and practicing ECD practitioners and ECD Level 4 Students with practical, hands-on strategies to enhance teaching and learning in ECD settings. Importantly, the training took place ahead of the student’s practical placements at ECD centres, ensuring they were well prepared to apply these methods in real classroom environments.
The workshop was facilitated by Evah from Care for Education, with valuable support from TVET lecturers, who worked together to ensure that participants gained meaningful, applicable skills. The focus of the training was on integrating play-based learning into daily classroom practice, an approach that encourages children to explore, experiment, and actively engage in their learning journey, rather than passively receiving information.
Throughout the sessions, participants were introduced to creative and interactive teaching methods that move beyond traditional instruction. Emphasis was placed on creating stimulating classroom environments that foster curiosity, imagination, and confidence among young learners. Participants were encouraged to design lessons that are not only educational but also enjoyable, ensuring that children develop a genuine understanding of concepts through play.
The training also highlighted the importance of using diverse teaching methodologies to accommodate different learning styles. By doing so, educators can better support each child’s unique developmental needs while promoting inclusive and effective learning experiences.
Beyond the practical skills gained, the workshop served as a space for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth. Both ECD practitioners and students had the opportunity to exchange ideas, reflect on their teaching practices, and build a supportive network within the education community.
Ultimately, the workshop reflects a shared commitment to improving the quality of early childhood education in Bethlehem. By empowering both students and practitioners with the confidence and tools to implement play-based learning, it contributes to creating classrooms that inspire creativity, encourage exploration, and nurture a love for learning from an early age.
What This Means Moving Forward
As practitioners return to their classrooms, the real impact of this training will be seen in the joyful, engaging, and dynamic learning environments they create. Continued support, mentorship, and follow up training will be essential to sustain and build on this progress.
Investing in ECD practitioners is an investment in the future, one where every child can learn, grow, and thrive through meaningful and playful educational experiences.
This is such an important initiative. Preparing both pre-service students and in-service practitioners with practical, play-based strategies before entering the classroom is key to ensuring meaningful learning experiences for young children. It’s encouraging to see collaboration between colleges, the Department of Education, and Care for Education. This is exactly how we strengthen the quality of ECD in South Africa. Looking forward to seeing the impact in classrooms!