Unit 7 Support children’s play in early years

Learning Outcomes LO4 Be able to support different types of play for children. AC 4.1 Describe benefits of: Physical play Creative play Imaginative play Sensory play Heuristic play. AC 4.2 Implement activities which support children’s:

4. Be able to support different types of play for children (4.1, 4.2) Time: 15 mins If you had to choose a hobby, would it be related to: Sport Music Art Drama Cookery Games None of the above Why?

4. Be able to support different types of play for children (4.1, 4.2) Physical play Physical play can develop two different areas: Gross motor skills – the development of large body movements such as running and jumping. Fine motor skills – the development of smaller body movements such as mark-making and threading.

4. Be able to support different types of play for children (4.1, 4.2) Time: 15 mins Describe two physical activities available at your setting. Consider: One gross motor activity One fine motor activity How each activity supported children’s learning and development Which activity do you think children prefer? Why? Learners should identify the difference between the two, with specific activities. These activities can support: Gross motor skills – exercise, co-ordination, balance, team work Fine motor skills – pincer control, palmer grasp, concentration. Learners should discuss that some children prefer to run around, while others like to sit and play.

4. Be able to support different types of play for children (4.1, 4.2) Creative play Creative play allows children to express themselves. Creative may play include: Paint Glue Dough or clay Music and dance. Creative play supports a child’s imagination.

4. Be able to support different types of play for children (4.1, 4.2) Imaginative play Role play allows children to use their imagination and be someone else. Children sometimes use their imagination to create or deal with a situation. They might be their favourite superhero or character, or they might be in the home corner re-enacting something that happened at home.

4. Be able to support different types of play for children (4.1, 4.2) Time: 20 mins Plan an activity that combines creative and imaginative play. Consider: The age and stage of the children The interests of the children The current topic of the setting Resources available The role of the adult What children will learn. Learners should discuss how the two types of play work well together. For example: Creating a painted brick wall to make the home corner a castle Decorating cloaks for the role-play area A dance activity where children pretend to be creatures.

4. Be able to support different types of play for children (4.1, 4.2) Sensory play Sensory play will develop one of the five senses, which are sight, smell, hearing, touch, taste. Babies explore the world through their senses and often put things into their mouths so they can explore it further.

4. Be able to support different types of play for children (4.1, 4.2) Heuristic play Heuristic play involves children playing with everyday objects. The objects used for heuristic play must be age appropriate and safe. Treasure baskets are often used for children to explore, and could contain a wide range of natural materials.

4. Be able to support different types of play for children (4.1, 4.2)

4. Be able to support different types of play for children (4.1, 4.2) Time: 15 mins Look at the picture of the treasure basket on the previous slide. Consider: The age it is suitable for How it will develop children’s senses What children will learn from exploring its contents The benefits of playing with natural materials Have you seen a treasure basket or similar in your setting? Do the children enjoy playing with it? Why? Learners should link two further types of play, and identify the benefits of both. Discussion of treasure baskets in the setting could lead to learners planning to create one if it is not available in their setting.

4. Be able to support different types of play for children (4.1, 4.2) You are required to carry out activities in each of the areas discussed and to describe the benefits of each type of play. You can combine two or more areas when planning, but you must clearly identify each area and its specific benefits to children’s learning and development.

4. Be able to support different types of play for children (4.1, 4.2) Time: 15 mins When supporting children in the setting, what is your favourite type of play? Consider: Physical play Creative play Imaginative play Sensory play Heuristic play Why is that your favourite activity? How will this activity and your enthusiasm for it support development? Learners should discuss areas they prefer supporting and why. This may be due to previous experiences or lack of confidence, especially in creative activities.

4. Be able to support different types of play for children (4.1, 4.2) Time: 15 mins Is there an area of play within the setting that you do not like taking part in? Consider: Outdoor play Messy play Role play Tactile play How might this impact on the children? How can you overcome your dislike for this area of play? Learners should reflect on the impact of their views on play. For example: If a learner shows a real dislike for getting messy, then children may be reluctant to join in. If a learner does not want to go outside because it is cold, then children will copy this thought. If a learner finds a treasure basket boring, then it will not stimulate children to explore.

4. Be able to support different types of play for children (4.1, 4.2) Time: 15 mins Elinor Goldschmied developed the idea of babies learning through exploring treasure baskets. How would you explain the benefits to a new parent/carer? Consider: Creating an age-appropriate treasure basket using items from around the home How it will support all areas of development The value of learning through exploring The benefits of heuristic play. Learners should describe both the benefits and possible contents of a homemade treasure basket. Learners could carry out further research on Goldschmied, and include some of her findings in their answer.

Summary Children will learn and develop through a well-planned variety of play activities. Some children will prefer one type of play, but all types of play should be offered. Different types of play can be combined in one activity to support even more learning and development.

Plenary What are the two types of physical play called? Describe three activities that can be planned for creative play. List 10 things you could put in a treasure basket that would be suitable for an 18-month-old child.