Extending Children's Play

 

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about children's play and learning. As we settled in having shared the first month of school, we are reflecting on the children’s play as we engage daily with this beautiful community of learners. With the start of a new week, I thought I would share some considerations for extending children’s play. I’d love to hear your thoughts too. So share in the comments below. 

After careful observation of the children’s play and thinking, there is an opportunity to extend and build upon initial play ideas. Play does not occur in isolation. Within play a relationship exists between and among materials, children and educators, and the experience itself. Play is born from our previous explorations with materials and ideas. These experiences inform what will occur in the present and inturn, the present informs how the future play opportunities will unfold. Add to that our own observations of others in play and there is a rich experience filled with multi-layers of nuanced moments and creative opportunities all built upon relationships. 

Supporting children to have positive play experiences, therefore, begins with our own ability to carefully listen to and observe children. As parents and educators, we bring our own experiences with play to each encounter with children. Guiding children’s thinking and extending their current play interests rests on our ability to see, listen and honour children’s unique ideas about their play. Play is the space where children experiment, create and innovate. 

So the big question to consider is, “How do we extend children’s play without taking over with our own good intentions and ideas?” We must be considerate of the children’s play journey. Guiding them without pushing our own agenda on the play honours the rights of the child and their unique experiences in play.

Consider the following as you engage and extend with children in play

• Observe the play, document what you see, hear and notice. Take photos, videos, and notes.

• Reflect with the children. Share the experience back to them through the photos/videos. Record their thoughts. Ask questions, “I wonder why that happened?” “I noticed this…” “I see you…” “Can you share with me what made you think of that?” “What might you do next?” 

• Add new materials, books, and opportunities to think about within the children’s interest/play space. The addition of one new material ignites creative thinking and introduces another layer to the play.

• Change the location of the play. Bring the play materials outdoors for example. This can invite new thinking and innovation to children’s ideas. 

• Offer children art mediums to record their play, thinking, and ideas. Paint, pastels, charcoal, and clay can all be considered in relation to the play focus. This not only engages children in documenting their own play and learning but allows for reflection and the sharing of ideas. 

Many of the children within the learning environment have shown an interest in playing with toy cars. This past month they have sent them zooming around the room. Racing them under shelves and incorporating them within their block play. They have also built roadways with the wooden blocks collaboratively. It’s been several weeks of observing and documenting this play and thinking about how to support it alongside the children. 

Recently they were offered new materials to use with the cars to expand their interest in movement, speed, and directionality. Within the block area, the addition of PVC pipes cut to various lengths, wire sides of a crate, and a large storage container were offered to the children. What we observed was a more focused play and the experimentation of building ramps with the new materials. As the children inspired each other through their play, they shared ideas, strategies, and challenges within the design process. We look forward to reflecting with the children and seeing where this play may lead us. The journey is indeed just beginning. 

If you know someone who’d love this post. Please share it with them. I look forward to reflecting with you in the comments. Don’t forget to share below. 

Wishing You Many Creative Explorations in Play!

Sincerely,

Michelle