1. Why Play & Exploration Sharing messages using Play experiences and activities as a starting point

2. When I play in the water I:

3. Water play I learn to play and make plans with other children. Match words to what I am playing with. Name things and ideas I am exploring. Develop new ideas Learn new concepts I develop my physical skills – both fine and gross motor.

4. When I play in the sand I:

5. Sand Play I learn to play and make plans with other children. Match words to what I am playing with Name things and ideas I am exploring Develop new ideas Learn new concepts I develop my physical skills – both fine and gross motor.

6. When I plan and make things independently I:

7. Have a chance to develop my ideas Learn how things work Learn how to explore, investigate and find answers Gain skills in ‘learning how to learn’ for myself. “This will help me be a confident learner in later school and work life!”

8. When I work with play dough I:

9. Develop my hand and eye co-ordination Gain skills in my ‘small movement control’ Learn to develop ideas Have opportunity to share my ideas through both actions and words Learn to communicate my ideas and plans to others Enjoy sensory play which stimulates my imagination and new ideas

10. When I explore interesting things I:

11. Have a chance to develop my ideas Learn how to explore, investigate and find answers Explore new concepts and their words Have a chance to use new words I have learnt Develop my attention skills “I will play for longer periods as I will want to learn and explore something new”

12. When I play with ‘pretend play scenes’ I learn to:

13. Make sense of the world around me Develop new vocabulary through exploring new objects and ideas in context. Learn to understand and use concepts accurately. Explore different roles Develop my own ideas Share my ideas with friends Use my imagination, developing early ‘writing skills’. Learn and understand mathematical concepts

14. Large doll play helps me learn to:

15. Develop understanding of concepts. This builds language and vocabulary. Develop empathy and explore feelings and emotions I can gain new physical skills, supporting me in controlling hand and body movement Learn about the world around me by playing and exploring objects.

16. When I build and construct I learn to:

17. Gain an understanding of shape, size, length and location. This supports me in learning maths and reading skills. Create and repeat patterns I exercise my imagination. I develop an understanding what works and what doesn’t through following my own ideas. I learn to co-operate and work with others, collaborate in my work. This sophisticates my ideas and I gain maturity in my knowledge. I learn about the properties of a variety of materials. (wood, plastic, foam etc) This is early science learning.

18. Drawing and mark- making helps me learn to:

19. Share my ideas and experiences Develop foundation skills in story telling Gain an understanding of space, size, position and dimension. Develop my imagination and creativity Understand that my ideas have value Gain better hand-eye coordination Develop fine motor skills (grip and muscle control) Understand the basic strokes of the printed language – supporting me in becoming a confident writer.

20. When I craft, glue and collage I learn to:

21. Develop my imagination and creativity Make my ideas a reality Gain confidence that I can achieve. My ideas are right as well. Develop fine and gross motor skills Learn new vocabulary and explore new concepts Explore mathematical concepts (size, measure, shape, location, positional language) Explore different materials –Texture, what they can be used for, how to use them

22. When I paint I learnt to:

23. Develop my imagination and creativity Make my ideas a reality Gain confidence that I can achieve. My ideas are right as well. Develop fine and gross motor skills Learn new vocabulary and explore new concepts Learn to talk about my ideas and designs Explore mathematical concepts (size, measure, shape, location, positional language) Explore various equipment and what effects each can make