Which educational philosophy emphasizes the importance of play in the curriculum?

The emphasis on the importance of play in the curriculum aligns most closely with humanism. This educational philosophy centers on the development of the whole person, focusing on personal growth, creativity, and self-actualization. Play is considered a vital tool for children’s development in humanistic education, as it fosters social skills, emotional intelligence, and cognitive development. This aligns with the belief that education should be a nurturing process that respects the individuality of each learner and cultivates their innate interests.

In contrast, naturalism focuses on the natural instincts and development of the child but does not explicitly promote play as a central curriculum component. Pragmatism emphasizes experiential learning and problem-solving, which can involve play but is broader in its context. Deweyan philosophy, rooted in the ideas of John Dewey, also values experience and learning through doing, but the explicit focus on play as a critical element of education is more associated with humanism.