A play-based approach


The Cambridge Early Years curriculum has been designed for a play-based approach to teaching and learning. Here you will find information about what that means for you and your children.

This video provides an introduction to play-based learning:

   

Video Transcript - Play-based learning

Why is play important?

Young children learn most effectively through playful activity because it:

      • enhances all areas of child development 
      • helps to build life skills and positive relationships
      • encourages positive behaviours for learning, including self-regulation
      • supports self-expression with open-ended, multi-sensory resources
      • helps children to feel comfortable with risk-taking
      • provides helpful information for practitioners to plan and make decisions about their pedagogy.

children playing collaboratively


What is play?

Play is difficult to define, but it is certainly not the opposite of work. Typically, play activities:

      • are meaningful
      • are enjoyable
      • promote active learning
      • provide choices and different possibilities
      • enable sharing of thoughts and ideas.

Child focused on sand play, with no adult intervention.


What is my role in play?

Remember that children are experts at play. Challenge them and give them the space and opportunities they need to learn through what they do best.