The role of the adult in supporting play

The role of the adult in supporting play(from O’Hagan &Smith 1995);Collins, Insey&Soler 2001);Brown 2003

Health and safety and risk assessment Maximum space and freedom to explore and

investigate Rooms which are divided appropriately but

which are well defined by using screens or other devices

Role of the adult in supporting play

A logic to setting out areas –so keeping “messy areas” together and “quiet areas” separate from them

Areas which are well presented and which make children want to go to them

Organisation which allows children space to think and consider before moving on to other areas

Role of the adult in supporting play

Materials which allow for a progression of children’s play needs and learning

Age appropriate materials Equipment which the children can take out

and tidy away independently

Role of the adult in supporting play

Resources arranged so that children can locate them independently and use them without needing to rely on adults help

Equipment which allows children to discover and to take calculated risks

Resources which are easily located because they are contained and are well labelled

Role of the adult in supporting play

Materials which are stored logically and accessibly

Workers who work together and who know what each other is doing

Good organisation and planning with written plans available for everyone to see

Role of the adult in supporting play

Engagement with children Encouraging problem solving Empowering children to become reflective

participants

Role of the adult in supporting play

“Learning begins when children /students see themselves as competent, capable and worthy of learning”

Sonia Nieto in Developing Pedagogy

Being aware of how children communicate with us