Understanding Play

Play, is a range of intrinsically motivated activities, if we consider the playwork approach, new terminology highlighted in the updated version 2 0, MTOP (My Time, Our Place) Learning Framework

Playwork: is the specific act of affecting the whole environment with intentionality to improve opportunities for play.

Referenced Pg 67 Glossary MTOP ---------------------------------------------------

We can understand how play should be seen as ‘freely chosen, personally directed and intrinsically motivated’. Research has proven that learning occurs more easily and is more meaningful when there is an emotional connection to the learning.

Play is a powerful behaviour, that is often a missed agenda for many Early Childhood Professionals, extrinsic agenda will often lead to children being told what they should experience, not living the experience As adults, we need to trust in the play process, accept that in play, children will create situations which excite and act out emotions in ways in which they feel they can Children will immerse themselves in multifarious experiences within their play setting.

Play: is fundamental to the healthy development and wellbeing of individuals and communities. It is often defined by a range of characteristics including freely chosen, self-directed, pleasurable, meaningful, symbolic and intrinsically motivating. (Reference Pg. 67 Glossary EYLF/MTOP )