When children play, they explore possibilities, create and test theories and deepen their understandings. It also provides a powerful context to develop critical skills and dispositions such as critical and creative thinking, communication, social, self-management and research.

During this one day workshop, videos and learning stories from a range of educational contexts will be shared. These examples will provide opportunities to consider how play with loose parts supports the development of a range of skills and dispositions such as perseverance and curiosity. Loose parts are materials that can be moved, carried, combined, taken apart and put back together in multiple ways. They are known for their ability to empower creativity and imagination in young children.

The connections between observation, documentation, interpretation and planning will be explored. There will be an emphasis on deepening understanding of how to plan for individual or small group of children within the zone of proximal development.

At the end of the session, participants will:
– have a deeper understanding of what and how to document learning
– see the relationships between observation, documentation, interpretation and planning
– value planning in response to children’s investigations, theories and related interpretations
– recognize how children learn foundational skills through play and rich open ended resources
– take away practical ideas for creating responsive learning spaces
– have deepened understanding of the power of ‘loose’ parts and how they support children’s learning in all developmental areas

Link to ESF EY principles:

•              offer open-ended, accessible resources
•              recognise and build upon prior learning
•              plan for and develop the Five Essential Elements of the PYP curriculum
•              have co-constructed and resource-rich learning spaces
•              continually enrich the environment to anchor and strengthen student learning