Understanding play pedagogies
Welcome to my childcare portfolio, where we delve into the fascinating world of play pedagogies. Play was at the heart of learning today. I facilitated open-ended play experiences using loose parts, which encouraged children to problem-solve, imagine, and collaborate. I observed how educators scaffold learning through intentional questioning. The role of the environment as the “third teacher” became clear to me as I saw how space influenced engagement and curiosity.
Types of Play-Based Learning That I Implement
As a practicing educator, I was able to assist and enable most forms of play-based learning that were in agreement with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) as well as the educational demands of the children. Such play experiences fostered exploration, creativity, socialisation and critical thinking.
1. Sensory Play: I would prepare water play and playdough activities and invite children to feel materials through touch, temperature, and motion. This aided the fine motor skills and the self-regulation and inquisitiveness of the children.
2. Role Play and Dramas: I have engaged in pretend play with children including arranging a home corner or a doctor clinic. This enabled children to release emotions, put real life situations to practice and enrich language and socialisation.
3. Constructive Play: I invited children to come up with a solution, by building some kind of a structure and solving some problem using blocks, magnetic tiles, and recycled materials. Such play encouraged the use of space, coordination and its group learning.
4. Creative / Artistic Play: I presented the open-ended art activities using paints, crayons, collage materials and clay. Such activities enabled the children to communicate their ideas without inhibiting their imaginations and expression of emotions.nal expression.
A Story of Impact
One of the incidents that I found truly remarkable was when I assisted a rather quiet toddler demographic who had just joined the centre. The child was reluctant to taking part in group activities and normally played on her own during free play. Just like when they were viewing picture books, I could observe that they had high interest in animals.My approach to making a connection was introductions by sitting down with them during reading time but they asked me questions about those animals in the story. In a couple of days, they were better able to interact with me. I was able to use this interest to organize a small group animal-themed play session with plastic animal figures, sensory bins, matching picture cards. As my pleasure, the child went to the group, started naming animals aloud and even asked another child to join them as they are playing. It was a small yet impactful scene where I observed the child start to gain confidence and development of social relationships with the help of play. This situation taught me how strong the will of carefree look and plan according to children interests are. It also made me understand how positive, one-on-one interactions with a child could foster their emotional well-being, feeling of belonging and a sense of agency all which form essential components of EYLF and NQS.
Witnessing the impact
When play pedagogies are used well, you see children developing incredible problem-solving skills, creativity, and social skills. They become more confident, resilient, and engaged learners. You see transformations in their ability to express themselves, collaborate with others, and take initiative. It's about fostering a lifelong love of learning through positive, playful experiences.
Keen to learn more?
Want to dive deeper into play pedagogies and how they can benefit your childcare setting? Contact us today to discuss professional development opportunities and resources!
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