Playful learning is where all learners ask, ‘What if?’

In early 2022, I asked many of the younger children in the Junior School what would they want if they could change something in our School. Immediately, they wished that there was more space to play and climb. Little did they know the reality of this wish was already beginning to come true.

We imagined possibilities of a new space and how children would interact with the environment, not only in a physical sense but with an approach that considered the development of social skills, leadership abilities, and emotional resilience — the whole being of a child. By incorporating playful learning and joy into the curriculum, children can develop essential life skills and enhance their overall wellbeing.

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Joy is the element that connects play and learning. Joy promotes motivation and interest. Finding joy is central to playful learning — describing it as delight, enjoyment and joyful.

Influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach and A Pedagogy of Play from Harvard University, the Strathcona Early Years Centre for ELC to Year 1, will highlight the importance of play in early years education.

We identify that play does not just happen — it is the way in which the spaces and learning provocations are designed, and the intentionality as to how materials and provocations are prepared, that will impact learner engagement and enable educators to scaffold next steps for personalised learning experiences.

Curiosity will be sparked with an emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Music, Mathematics and Literacy which drives children to explore and understand the world and their place within it. Immersed in investigations, children will express and develop imagination and creativity, which are key skills critical for the technology-driven and innovative world in which we live.

The environment and taking responsibility for a sustainable world has an increased focus in our Early

Years Centre and Junior School, where children are encouraged to learn through an engagement with nature. The vision is such, that this newly created student-centred learning environment will inspire Strathcona students to be creative, innovative and sustainable leaders.