Play-based learning in the Cambridge Early Years classroom Practical tips and teaching advice Claire Medwell Author, teacher trainer, teacher 15th November 2023
Contents • Why play? • Child-initiated play ideas • Guided play ideas • How to implement play-based learning effectively
Why play?
The Power of Play The impulse to play comes from a natural desire to understand the world. Source: NAEYC
Almost all creativity involves purposeful play. Source: Abraham Maslow
Play is the highest form of research. Source: Albert Einstein
Play matters! Types of games Games with rules Play with objects Pretend play Symbolic play Physical play POLL
Misconceptions about play 'Play’ at home
‘Learn’ at school
Home-school connections Nurture home-school connections Support parents and tutors, offer guidance on how to implement playbased learning at home Help parents to understand the value of play in their child’s development Engage families by inviting members to lead an activity such as a song, dance or craft. Celebrate home languages
Benefits of play-based learning • Develops social and emotional skills as they learn to share and interact with classmates • Develops communication, cooperation and problem-solving skills • Develops cognitive skills: • Improves overall language and literacy development e.g. mark-making, labelling, making lists, commenting on pictures in story books • Improves literacy skills as they learn to communicate and listen more effectively • Improves word association and how they can be used in different scenarios • Cultivates critical thinking skills e.g. playing with geometric shapes helps children learn basic concepts of size, numbers and sequences • Develops both gross and fine motor skills
What is child-initiated play? Child-initiated play is defined as play that is started, “led and controlled by the child rather than an adult” (Drew, 2019, para. 2). Encourages creativity and spontaneity Promotes agency Builds on children’s own interests Hands-on learning Develops ability to think ‘outside the box’ process-orientated as opposed to outcome-orientated
Free play ideas Symbolic games
Role playing
Nature table
Free play ideas Transient art
Continuous provision areas • Continuous provision means the resources and areas in your learning environment (inside and outside) that children can choose from freely. • These areas should:
• provide a range of opportunities for free and guided play • provide opportunities which work towards language learning objectives • be accessible throughout the year.
Insert CUP photo of continuous provision áreas in the EYs classroom
Construction/small world play area
Continuous provision areas Home area
Library/reading area Role play area Outside resources
What is guided play? Guided play refers broadly to playful activities which have an element of teacher support Teachers should have a clear learning objective when setting up the activity Children should still have a degree of choice and agency over their play Guided play can help extend learning beyond what children may otherwise have achieved It offers more opportunities for active participation and self-reflection.
How to implement play-based learning 'I’m not sure how to deliver learning through play’ Create a safe and supported environment Provide rich literacy and creative resources e.g. marking boards, crayons, paper, materials, everyday objects, Make available a range of natural materials, such as leaves, twigs and shells Use household and natural objects such as a spoon, rubber band, button, pencil, leaf or stick to explore floating and sinking Use real-life items in themed role-play areas, such as grocery items for supermarket role-play, or pots, seeds and spades in for vegetable garden role-play
The teacher’s role Act as a model, provide linguistic guidance Be flexible in your guidance Provide directions Observe Prompt Ask open questions e.g. Tell me about your picture.
Cambridge Pathway
Professional Development support • If you’re looking for early years professional development, scan the QR code and explore our calendar:
Or visit: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/professionaldevelopment
Further play-based support School support hub
Teaching resources
Thank you! Learn more about Cambridge Early Years today: www.cambridgeinternational.org/earlyyears
cambridge.org/internationaleducation
© Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2023 © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2021