Play-based learning is central to educational programs and practice. Children’s learning is stimulated and enhanced when they have a variety of play experiences and meaningful opportunities to learn through real-life engagements, routines and transitions. Play is both a context and a process for learning.
Play contexts (places and spaces for learning) provide opportunities for children to:
- be active learners
- build relationships
- co-construct learning
- enhance critical and creative thinking skills
- share decision-making
- reflect on new ways to make sense of the world.
Play processes (ways of learning and teaching) provide opportunities to:
- strengthen children’s wellbeing
- enhance communication and interaction skills
- develop their sense of identity and pride in their cultural heritage by building connections to people, places and languages.
Teachers and educators:
- facilitate a balance of child-led, guided and adult-initiated play-based learning experiences
- consider the role of adults in learning, the agency of children, learning environments and resourcing.
- Last updated:
- 31 July 2024
