Learning through Play In Foundation

Play is very important to a child's development, it is an integral part of a child's development and underpins the Early Years curriculum.

I expect many parents have asked their child "What did you do in school today?" and the child replied:  "I played with my friends". As far as the child is concerned that is what they did all day, inside and outside, although they have been learning all day.  Young children learn best through play, by exploring and experimenting, by making connections, by being creative with resources.  They learn to communicate their needs, exchange ideas, work collaboratively, and satisfy their curiosity. Play can be child-led or initiated by the teachers who will plan a high-quality experience such as setting up a kitchen, shop, fire station and other settings that invite the children to role-play.  The teacher's role is to enhance and extend the play through questioning, prompting, resourcing, scaffolding, encouragement, all of which are vital to developing the children's language.

This week in Reception, the children have been very involved in pizza making. A shop has been set up in the outdoor learning classroom where orders are taken and pizzas made.  The children have also been writing shopping lists to make real pizza.

In Nursery play has been more free and child initiated as the children are still learning to play with one another, to find friends with similar interests.

Liz Wood
Foundation Stage Assistant Principal