Qualification: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
Unit: Unit 3.3: Apply theoretical perspectives and philosophical approaches to play
Learning outcome: Understand philosophical approaches which influence play provision
Assessment criteria: Summarise how philosophical approaches impact on own understanding of play provision
In the previous section, we looked at some philosophical approaches to children’s play.
For this assessment criterion, you will be required to summarise the impact that these philosophical approaches have impacted your own understanding of play provision.
For example, Froebel’s ideas about utilising rhyme and song to support children’s language development may have given you a better appreciation of these kinds of play activities.
Or, the approaches discussed by (amongst others) Emilia, Pikler, and The Curiosity Approach emphasise play being child-initiated and child-led. Prior to reading about these ideas, you may have believed that it is primarily the adult’s role to lead play activities, but now understand that it is important for children to have the freedom to learn themselves without adult intervention.
Other themes that you may wish to include in your summary include:
- The use of natural materials instead of toys (e.g. heuristic play)
- The importance of outdoor spaces within the setting
- Bruce’s ideas that all play (no matter how mundane) should be treated with equal importance
- Open-ended play
- Child observation