Playing to learn and learning to teach: DMCI practicum at Wellington
January 12, 2026 News Story
Family Studies students at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute (DMCI) recently took part in a practicum designed to give firsthand experience in Early Years classrooms. Through a STEAM-focused collaboration with neighbouring Wellington School, Grade 11 teenagers explored how play supports brain development in kids.
Ideas turned into play
During their play and development unit, which was ten classes, DMCI students studied theories around child development, the role of play in learning, and foundational STEAM concepts. Then they designed STEAM-based activities tailored specifically to the classrooms at Wellington School. The result? Carefully planned learning stations aligned with developmental stage, interests, and needs of their younger peers.
Each activity incorporated at least one scientific concept, such as gravity, balance, weight, tension, conservation, or chemical reactions. Activities were created using low-cost materials like recyclable milk caps and egg cartons. To promote engagement, the Grade 11 teachers integrated simple rewards, such as scorecards and stickers.
Testing and Adjusting
DMCI students guided their elementary friends through each experience, adjusting their instruction in real time and observing how the young ones responded to different challenges. It deepened their understanding of how play supports cognitive, social, and physical development, while reinforcing that flexibility and reflection is key in teaching. It also allowed the DMCI students to develop leadership, independence and communication skills.
For the Wellington children, the activities were play-based and that made scientific concepts accessible and enjoyable.
Learning to learn and learning to teach go hand in hand, and these concepts can enrich education for all ages of students. Play-based education is a proven effective way to challenge students, and when it is delivered through cross-school collaborations, it strengthens relationships and community in Winnipeg School Division.
