What does the EYFS framework say about play?

Free play in EYFS can be defined as when children decide which resources they will use and the purpose for which they use them. Free play allows children to develop their own interests, as well as encouraging their creativity and critical-thinking skills.

What does the early years Framework say about play?

Play is essential for our children if they are to have the best start in life and be ready to succeed as adults. Through play children thrive as they develop self-confidence, social skills and an awareness of their impact on others and the world around them.

What is the value of play in the EYFS?

Play both indoors and outdoors is also a fundamental commitment to children throughout the EYFS. Play is essential for children's development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, relate to others, set their own goals and solve problems.

What does the EYFS say about child initiated play?

There is much to be said in favour of child-led play in early years and beyond. These are relevant to various stages of development, and can also be applied to the EYFS Areas of Learning which for the basis of the framework. Emotional development - With child-initiated play, children are able to make their own choices.

What does the EYFS say about creative play?

Creative play is an exciting way for children to learn about the world around them. Young children acquire skills rather than being taught them. Imaginative and creative play develops children's; emotional, social, physical, cognitive, speaking and listening skills.

What is the EYFS? | Early Years Foundation Stage

What does the EYFS say about messy play?

Messy play and language development

[1] When children are engaging in messy play with others, they will likely talk about what they are doing with their peers, encouraging speech. Messy play is also a wonderful opportunity for you to introduce new vocabulary using words such as warm, cold, slimy, squishy and so on!

What does the EYFS say about sensory play?

Use of sensory play promotes the Prime areas of Learning and Development listed within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS); communication and language, physical development, and personal, social, and emotional development.

Why is play so important in early years?

Through play, children learn about the world and themselves. They also learn skills they need for study, work and relationships such as: confidence. self-esteem.

What does the EYFS say about outdoor play?

3.68 Childminders must provide access to an outdoor play area. If that is not possible, they must ensure that outdoor activities are planned and taken daily (unless circumstances make this inappropriate, for example unsafe weather conditions).

How the EYFS requires a balance of both child initiated and adult led play and how this supports development?

Child-initiated play supports children in having ideas and being in control of their learning. Child-led activities may start out as an adult initiated activity - however by allowing the child space and time; the child may extend the resources and ideas given to create their own experience.

How does lack of play affect child development?

It can inhibit social and emotional learning, and damage early child development. A play-deprived child may find it harder to interact with others throughout their lifetime, leading to poor resilience in certain situations, and reduced self-control.

What is the power of play in early childhood?

When children play, they're learning lessons that last a lifetime. The brain thrives on experiences that establish new neural connections and pathways and play is the best way for infants and young children to pursue their natural curiosity, learn and grow.

What values do children develop through play?

How is play-based learning defined in the early years learning framework EYLF?

Educators: early childhood practitioners who work directly with children in early childhood settings. Play-based learning: a context for learning through which children organise and make sense of their social worlds, as they engage actively with people, objects and representations.

What does Vygotsky's theory say about play?

In Vygotsky's cultural-historical theory, play is an important part of early childhood. Vygotsky believed that play promotes cognitive, social, and emotional development in children.

Should play be encouraged in early childhood programs?

Play is most often associated within an educational setting, fostering the development of cognition, social development. Play is a critical element of early childhood curriculum standards. Play influences growth in social emotional, physical, and cognitive development.

What does the EYFS say about indoor and outdoor play?

Moreover, outdoor learning has benefits for children throughout the entire developmental cycle, from birth to 60+ months. The EYFS guidance doesn't differentiate between the value of indoor and outdoor learning. They can both be equally effective as long as learning sessions are carefully planned.

What are the 4 themes of EYFS?

The four themes of the Revised EYFS are; A Unique Child, Positive Relationships, Enabling Environments and Learning and Development.

What does Vygotsky say about outdoor play?

Early childhood educators such as Froebel and Vygotsky have always promoted the importance of the outdoor learning environment. According to Vygotsky (1978), children learn through interacting with the environment and through social interaction with others.

What is the Montessori theory of play?

Simply put, the Montessori approach to play is learning skills that have a practical application…in a fun way. According to the movement's founder, Maria Montessori, “Play is the work of the child.” Her vision was to combine play with learning and satisfy a child's curiosity while still allowing them to have fun.

Why is play important in the preschool years according to Vygotsky?

For preschoolers, play becomes the first activity in which they are driven not by their need for instant gratification, prevalent at this age, but instead by the need to suppress their immediate impulses: “Play continually creates demands on the child to act against immediate impulse, i.e., to act according to the line ...

How does play affect a child's cognitive development?

Play promotes the development of a multitude of cognitive skills. When children participate in play and have opportunities to become fully involved in what they are doing, and they develop more sophisticated and complex ways of thinking.

What did Montessori say about sensory play?

Long before senatorial play was practiced, Dr. Montessori believed that kids learned through experiencing their surroundings. Montessori sensory play is important because it allows kids to begin to classify their environment; hot or cold, big or small, smooth or rough.

What is inclusive play practice in relation to current frameworks?

Inclusive play opens makes opportunities available to all children, regardless of disability and background. We believe children should all have the chance to play together. All children benefit from being outside, interacting with their environment, learning from nature and developing through play.

Why is messy play important?

Messy play harnesses children's spontaneous exploration to help them learn. Children develop curiosity, initiative, focus and persistence through messy play. These are foundational skills in the 'Approaches to Learning' domain of ELOF, which identifies learning strategies.