Learners should describe their own setting’s play environment in a way that shows how positive an environment it is.
Learners will need a large piece of paper for this activity.
As a group, they can base their ideas on a combination of all their settings.
They should include space for quiet play, as well as space to run around.
Learners should discuss their own setting and share positive environments as well areas for development.
Learners should be encouraged to discuss what makes a good play environment and how this can be achieved.
Learners could use their own knowledge of local outdoor spaces, but this weblink enables them to look at a variety in their local area.
Learners should consider opportunities for children to be together and, where appropriate, to work together at one activity such as building blocks or ball play.
Learners should consider how new children may struggle if they have never had to share toys or adult time before.
Some children may become withdrawn, while others might become upset or aggressive.
Learners should discuss the actions and words they feel children have picked up from others.
Learners should discuss how their own ability to deal with situations may impact on children’s behaviour and socialisation.
Learners should privately reflect on their own behaviours and the impact these may have on children.
Learners should be given time to choose a suitable activity and to create a plan.
This work will be further discussed during the Pairs activity.
Learners should use the Independent research activity and peer discussion to finalise their plan.
Learners should discuss positive role models within the setting and describe situations that they feel have had a positive impact on children’s socialisation in play.
Learners should reflect on the whole experience and then focus on the impact they had on children’s behaviour and socialisation.
Learners should be encouraged to identify what they could improve on in the future.
Learners have put their ideas to paper and may have already carried out their plan, so this activity will enable them to reflect or predict areas they feel they may struggle with.
This activity will enable learners to describe specific areas such as the baby room or the pre-school room, and show how the environment is age and stage appropriate.
Learners should also be encouraged to explain how children are moved on to their next stage, for example, by having puzzles of varying difficulties so children are challenged.
Learners should document how they can create an enabling play environment.
This information can be shared with both the supervisor and placement assessor.
Learners should be encouraged to carry out some of their suggestions or recommendations.
This class discussion will enable learners to further share good practice.
Learners should consider options they have not seen in the setting:
Setting out animals or dinosaurs on a series of ‘hills’ covered with a cloth
Moving a couple of tables around to create a different shape to play or work round
Calming music in the book area to encourage children to relax.