Learning Through Play
Reflection
What did ‘Play’ mean to you as a child?
 Who encouraged your play?
 How did play make you feel about
yourself, the world around you – about
life?

Play can be described as a
human activity that is
freely chosen, is driven
from an inner desire and is
personally directed.
Rights to Play
Children have the right to play.
 All children and young people have
the right to play and need to play:
free to choose what they do- lively
or relaxed, noisy or quiet – with the
chance to stretch and challenge
themselves, take risks and enjoy
freedom. The right to play is
protected in Article 31 of the UN
Convention of the Rights of the
Dramati
c Play
Construction
Play
Active Play
Manipulative
Play
Sensory Play
Arts & Crafts
Play
Books
The Need for Play
Play is essential for;
 Healthy physical and emotional growth.
 Intellectual and educational
development.
 Acquiring social and behavioural skills.

How do children play?
Play may or may not involve equipment
or a dedicated play space and may or
may not have an end product.
 Children may play on their own or with
others, be boisterous and energetic or
quiet and contemplative, light-hearted
or very serious.
 Children’s own culture is developed
through their play.

The Role of Adults
Parents, carers and other adults can
support children and young people's play
by respecting the value and importance
of all types of play, playing with their
children and by creating opportunities
and allowing time for children to play
independently with their friends, inside
and outside the home. (Play England
2007)
Age-Appropriate Toys
SIZE of toy and pieces
 Larger than the child’s two fists
No SHARP edges or points
 Broken toys should be fixed or
thrown away
NON-TOXIC materials
 Avoid all painted toys for babies
& toddlers
DURABLE, WASHABLE and CLEAN
 Toy’s that won’t break easily
 Toys that can be cleaned easily
Newborn to l-year-old baby
Choose brightly-colored, lightweight toys that appeal to your baby's sight,
hearing and touch.
1- to 2-year-old toddler
Toys for this age group should be safe and be able to withstand a toddler's
curious nature.
2- to 5-year-old preschooler
Toys for this age group can be creative or imitate the activity of parents and
older children.
Preschool Toy
Infant Toy
Toddler Toy