An article I wrote for parents to go in work’s newsletter today.

What is Play?

- Heidi , Early Years Teacher

So what is this thing called play that your child does at [the setting]? Play is a child’s work. When playing, children learn to problem-solve, think creatively, have opportunities to take safe risks and learn from these mistakes without pressure. Children also learn about complex social relationships including conflict resolution with peers.

[The Setting] promotes a concept called “˜free play’. This is where we allow the child to make their own choices about what they want to play with, and encourage the child to explore the resources (toys and activities) that they want to play with. This personalises their learning to the child’s own needs and interests. We try very hard to provide resources that are natural (e.g. not always plastic but made from wood or metal) and that are authentic (e.g limiting cartoon looking animals) and that cover all several areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.

So what can we as adults do to help our children learn?

• When your child is absorbed in their play (don’t care what is going on around them) it is best just to leave them too it. If they are busy, there is no need to interrupt them. They will let you know when they need support by looking at you, talking to you, or asking for help.

• Try to watch what your child is doing, and when they do talk to you, follow what they are doing. Putting your own ideas of what you think your child should be doing or learning (called “˜adult agenda’) can quickly stop them from playing and learning.

• Give your child time to think. Children’s brains work very slowly. They do not work as fast as adult brains. It can take a child around 5 seconds to listen to, understand, and reply to a question, so give them time to think and don’t jump on them right away to answer. I usually ask the question, count to 5 in my head, and watch their body language. If I don’t think they have understood me, I will ask again. I always wait at least 5 seconds before asking again.

• Don’t do it for them. Give your child time to work out how to do it, and guide them with words. Let them get frustrated, but don’t jump in until you are sure that your child has had enough of being frustrated. This can be a hard balance, but is key in helping your child be independent. Ask your Key Person for more advice on this.

• Trust that what your child is doing is learning. To an adult it may not look like they are learning, but they are. Everything a child does is learning, whether it be physical, emotional or social. If you have any questions about an activity your child is doing, explain what happened to your Key Person, and they will help you understand what learning is involved.

• Relax and don’t pressure your child. No matter what age you are, nothing puts a person off learning more than being pressured. Allow your child to learn at their own pace. The process is always much more important than the end result, and that process may take a long time. Again, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to talk to your Key Person.

I hope that this answers a few questions about what your child does when they are playing. As always, if you have any questions feel free to talk to me or your Key Person. Have a great holiday everyone, and see you in the New Year.

Heidi

Tags: Articles, Child, Childcare, Childcare centre, Children, Early Childhood, Early Childhood: Information for Parents and Whanau, Infants, Infants and Toddlers