The Importance of Play and Outdoor Learning in the Early Years Parent Workshop – February 2017

Aims of the Workshop Find out about the key ways young children learn Why outdoor play is important How you can support your child’s outdoor play

What are the key ways children learn? Talking to themselves Playing Representing ideas and experiences Being active Being with other people Being shown how to do things Exploring new things and experiences Communicating what they are doing and their ideas Practising, repeating, applying skills Meeting physical and mental challenges Having Fun! National Strategies 2009

Play in the curriculum Play underpins all development and learning for young children EYFS Practice Guidance 1.17 2008 Play is essential for children’s development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, to think about problems, and relate to others. 1.9 p.6 Statutory Framework for the EYFS 2012

Why do children need to play? We learn best when highly motivated because…. Choice leads to personal satisfaction We are more likely to persist when faced with difficulty Learning is in a personal style and at own particular level of understanding Understanding is likely to be retained from discovery rather than instruction Action increases the connections that are made and reinforced in the brain Reliving and retelling consolidates understanding and gives ownership

Why play outdoors? In small groups decide which of the following statements are most important.

Why is learning outdoors special and unique? Outdoor play supports all round wellbeing and development Many children learn best outdoors It offers children the freedom and space to be adventurous, noisy and messy – something that many do not have outside of school It gives them access to the natural world, fresh air and direct experience of the weather The multi-sensory experience allows children to develop the body as well as the brain It provides endless opportunities for discovery play and talk, a place to be with others and develop relationships It presents them with endless problems to solve It allows them to take risks

Your role in children’s play Be sensitive – give attention to, value and understand children’s interests and points of view Provide stimuli – encourage children’s drive for meaning and make relevant contributions to their learning Provide independence – give children the room to follow their own initiatives, encourage their independence and free-range thought. Understand that learning is a process for both the child and the adult

Your role in children’s play Be prepared to “catch the ball that children throw us” – get the “ball” back to the child as quickly as possible and keep the game going as long as possible. Become partners in children’s learning – hold back from asking too many questions, wonder aloud

Ideas for outdoor play Greenwich Ecological Park – nature trail, events throughout the year for children of all ages Gardening Club Southwark Park – monthly gardening club Nature Play Greenwich and Nature Play South East London – exploring woods with emphasis on children’s independence and discovery

To summarise Learning through play is a key way in which children learn Outdoor play offers a range of experiences that children can’t have indoors The adult’s role is as the children’s partner in their play, sharing their discoveries and extending their learning

Any questions?