Learning Through Play
" Children's play reflects their wide ranging and varied interests and preoccupations. In their play children learn at their highest level. Play with peers is important for children's development " EYFS 2008
Tina Bruce - The 12 Features of Play
1. In their play, children use the first-hand experiences that they have in life.
2. Children make up rules as they play, and so keep control of their play.
3. Children make play props.
4. Children choose to play. They cannot be made to play.
5. Children rehearse the future in their role play.
6. Children pretend when they play.
7. Children play alone sometimes.
8. Children and/or adults play together, in parallel, associatively, or co-operatively in pairs or groups
9. Each player has a personal play agenda, although they may not be aware of this.
10. Children playing will be deeply involved, and difficult to distract from their deep learning. Children at play wallow in learning.
11. Children try out their most recent learning, skills and competencies when they play. They seem to celebrate what they know.
12. Children at play co-ordinate their ideas, feelings and make sense of relationships with their family, friends and culture. When play is co-ordinated it flows along in a sustained way. It is called free-flow play.
