Play has been an important part of early childhood education since Froebel invented kindergaten. Most early childhood services in Australia offer a play-based curriculum. But what is play?
What is Play?
Play is chosen by the children. It should be unstructured - that means there are no rules, no right or wrong and the play can keep going for as long as the children like and in whatever direction they want.
Play is usually social (done with others).
Play is about the process not the product.
Play is fun!
Play actively involves children in their learning.
Through play, children learn to make sense of the world around them.
The Learning Frameworks that govern Early Childhood Education in Australia/Victoria say that early childhood education should contain a mix of child-led play and learning; guided play and learning and adult-led learning (intentional teaching). See posts on Child led vs Adult led and Scaffolding.
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