Learning Through Play

Adults have always known that children like to play, it is, therefore, probably not surprising that since the introduction in September 2008 of the new ‘Early Years Foundation Stage’, there is an increased emphasis on children ‘Learning Through Play’. Learning Through Play Adults have always known that children like to play, it is, therefore, probably not surprising that since the introduction in September 2008 of the new ‘Early Years Foundation Stage’, there is an increased emphasis on children ‘Learning Through Play’. Adults are very keen to measure learning and to see concrete evidence of children’s achievements. When a child writes their own name, it is a magical moment. However, I am encouraging you to take a closer look at your children playing and to broaden your definition of ‘Learning’. When a child has just learnt something new it should definitely be rewarded with praise and interest. We should look for the subtle and small ways that children learn. (All quotes below are from the ‘Development Matters’ section of the Early Years Foundation Stage). TOYS OR NO TOYS? It is easy to assume that when children play they will need toys. However, toys are not essential for a child to be able to play. Babies (Aged 0-20 months) like to ‘concentrate intently on faces and enjoy interaction’. Babies find ‘comfort in the human face’, and ‘are soothed by warm and consistent responses from familiar adults’.     Before long your child will be reaching out to grasp anything they can handle, and pop it in their mouth, they are most definitely learning! Taste, shape, texture, size are all being explored whilst they slobber over their latest ‘toy’.   Toddlers (Aged 16-36 months). They enjoy a huge range of toys. For example, trains and dolls. They are learning physical skills such as ‘showing an increasing control in holding an object’. They may well be imitating skills of self care and daily routine whilst cuddling a doll and putting it down to sleep. They also love play involving non traditional toys. Raiding the saucepan cupboard is often a favourite, and digging in the mud with sticks is another. They are on a journey of discovery, whilst bashing upturned saucepans with a wooden spoon, they are enjoying being able to ‘create sounds by banging’. Whilst stirring muddy mixtures, they are ‘showing curiosity about how things work’ and ‘developing hand to eye coordination’. Young children (Aged 3-5years). Their play becomes increasingly complex and may well enter into the realms of make believe and improvisation. Children aged 3-5 will happily renounce traditional toys and improvise with all manner of inanimate objects, using sticks to build dens, mud to stir mixtures, and leaves and stones to make ‘food’. They may also very readily jump in and out of the world of make believe where monsters and bears live behind the bushes in your garden!   They may be improving their social skills when playing with other young children learning about what is real and what is not. They will be learning physical skills all the while they roam about; maybe negotiating different heights and textures as they explore outside. Their knowledge and understanding of the world will be increasing hugely. Their excitement, interest and motivation can be heightened as they become absorbed in their play.   ADULTS OR NO ADULTS? First and foremost is the realm of Health and Safety.  Children will often push beyond the boundaries, blissfully unaware that they are about to be in danger; adults are very much needed to keep a child safe in their environment. Do we need to play as well? It is much more comfortable for adults to sometimes watch from a distance, without having to get too messy. Sometimes, this is just what is needed. Children will have the best time creating their own play, with their own rules and exploring the world around them, whilst learning a vast range of skills.   However, apart from the role of referee when children can’t agree, there is a most important role for adults. Whether it is with babies, toddlers or young children, in the home or at a child care setting, adults have the ability to truly enrich children’s learning experiences. Whether it is through discussion, role play or by introducing them to new toys or equipment, adults have the opportunity to further a child’s learning through joining in. It may be verbal or non-verbal, but if it meets the child’s mind where they are at that moment in time, adults may have the opportunity to witness and be part of some of the most magical learning moments. There is much more to be said about the role of adults playing with young children. Everyday interaction with or without conventional toys will ensure your child learns and develops at a pace both you and they are comfortable with in discovering the world around them. Judith Dutnall, Little Learners Pre-School