Why play is essential for children

With Maggie Dent

Despite all the research and information available to us, early learning educators still face immense pressure when it comes to formalised learning and ensuring that kids are “smart” so that they have the best chance of success once they begin school. Play is the foundation for effective learning as through intentional and self directed play, children develop physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. 

In this course, parenting expert Maggie Dent explains the importance of play in early learning settings, what happens when play is diminished and how early learning educators can become advocates for play based learning. In this course you will also gain an understanding of the importance of movement and how you can encourage children in your setting to move in ways that positively impact their learning and development. You will also learn how play and a lack thereof can both positively and negatively impact social and emotional learning.

How this course links to the Early Learning Years Framework

Principles: 1, 3 & 5

Practises: Learning through play & learning environments

Outcomes: 1, 3, 4

Course Videos

Module 1 - The importance of play

In this module you will:

  • Learn why educators need to be advocates for play
  • An understanding of the EYLF Learning Outcomes and the EYLF themes of belonging, being and becoming
  • Understand the impacts of diminished play and the impact of screens
  • A developing brain and how critical autonomous exploration is
  • Understand why children aren’t playing as much as other generations
  • Why autonomous play is critical and why certain toys aren’t helping
  • Unpack what play means for you as an educator
  • What an appropriate play environment looks like

How this module links to the Early Learning Years Framework
Principle 5: Ongoing learning and reflective practice
Practice: Learning through play
Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
Discussion Topics
What does play mean to you?
In this video, Maggie asks you to consider what play means to you? When you think of play, what comes to mind? How do you think your experience of play influences the way you shape curriculum?

Module 2 - The importance of movement

In this module, you will:

  • Understand the impacts of passivity in children
  • Discover the foundations for learning and how they are developed through movement
  • Learn how following a child’s intuition will lead to effective brain development
  • Understand the importance of bare feet
  • Discover how adventuresome play encourages children to stretch their capacity
  • Learn about the science behind play

How this module relates to the Early Learning Years Framework
Principle 3: High expectations and equity
Practice: Learning through play & Learning environments
Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
Discussion Topics
How are you creating opportunities for movement?
In this video, Maggie talks about the importance of children being able to hang by their body weight in order to develop the muscles to sit for long periods of time in learning settings later in life. Are the children in your setting provided with opportunities to hang by their body weight? How could you incorporate more of this?

Module 3 - The importance of social and emotional learning

In this module, you will:

  • Discover how playing teaches children social and emotional skills through a ‘play code’
  • Learn how the amount of time in nature and playing outside impacts children
  • Understand the impacts of spinning, tumbling, balancing and rolling on the brain
  • Discover why children need to experience failure during play
  • Learn how ‘pretend’ play helps children make sense of their world
  • Understand how play encourages positive neural pathways that help to override negative ones

How this module relates to the Early Learning Years Framework
Principle 1: Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships
Practice: Learning through play & Learning environments
Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
Discussion Topics
How are you creating opportunities for pretend play in your setting?
In this video, Maggie discusses how pretending to be grown ups can help children to make sense of their world. Are there enough opportunities for children to play pretend in your setting? How could you incorporate more of this?