Make time for play – in the right way

Early childhood education Make time for play – in the right way

By Samantha Schofield Vice President

The reality of living through a pandemic which is unprecedented, unpredictable and global, presents a variety of challenges.

At the beginning of 2019, the Department of Education’s Focus documents highlighted the need for schools to “emphasise the role of play-based learning in a balanced curriculum for kindergarten and pre-primary students”, aligning to the SSTUWA’s campaign for greater recognition of the importance of play in a balanced curriculum rather than a heavy assessment-driven approach in the early years of education.

During 2019, the SSTUWA held seven Play is Learning forums across WA, where public school early childhood teachers and school leaders were able to share their experiences to inspire others and raise the awareness of including a playbased policy at the school level.

Eighteen months later, we are experiencing a global pandemic and considering lesson plans and activities that adhere to governmental health advice. And while some play-based learning activities have had to be suspended or heavily modified during this time, it is still important to reach a balance in the curriculum to support the educational and mental health needs of our students.

Like all teachers and school leaders, those in early childhood education have found it challenging to ensure the health and safety of staff and students in providing a full range of quality teaching and learning experiences to assist students in “Belonging, Being and Becoming” – the foundations of the Early Years Learning Framework – particularly as there is a need for young students to develop and explore – often through hands-on experiential learning.

The International Play Association states that it: “recognises playing as a basic and vital part of the pleasure of childhood. We see it as an essential part of all aspects of children’s development. During times of crisis, play has a significant therapeutic role, helping children recover a sense of normality and joy.”

The speed of which this virus has spread has seen education departments and schools quickly reposition themselves during this pandemic, and look at alternative methods to reach and teach their students, with a significant focus of digital resources and platforms.

However, little time has been spent investigating which, if any, digital resources are the most appropriate or useful for education.

Quickly cobbled together digital resources or free programs offered by a multitude of companies promoting themselves as educational, may have provided some short term support during this pandemic to connect with students and families, but they must be seen in the context for which they arose and a cautious approach to their future use must be used, particularly for very young children.

These cannot and should not replace experienced teachers or quality teaching

While we all continue to navigate through this unpredictable period in the coming months and years, it feels surreal to think about our classroom activities for next term, let alone next year.

For many teachers and school leaders, this may feel futile or further add to the anxiety and/or stress. For others, the redirection to focus on future class activities gives a prospect of hope and stability.

Collectivism and collaboration during a crisis is important for us as a union to do. Collectivism is at our core.

While it may not always be possible to meet face to face at the moment given health requirements and restrictions, as an SSTUWA member you are part of an and learning pedagogies.

expansive network of teachers and school leaders and TAFE lecturers across WA.

If you are an SSTUWA early childhood school leader or teacher, and would like to share your experiences with the Early Years Learning Framework and how you utilise and promote quality teaching and learning experiences to assist students in Belonging, Being and Becoming, as part of a balanced curriculum, please contact us at: editor@sstuwa.org.au

Resources

WA Department of Education – Play Based Learning Resources: bit.ly/2CVlcVo WA Department of Education – Early Childhood Branch: bit.ly/3jaeXMN The International Play Association support for parents and carers: bit.ly/2YtSQsM Early Years Learning Framework: bit.ly/3jhhMMp