INSPIRATION CORNER
Play is never ‘just’ play!
Alliance quality and standards manager Melanie Pilcher marks the combination of the UN’s International Day of Play and the Alliance’s National Week of Play
Melanie is responsible for resources that support best practice in all matters relating to the EYFS.
June is a month that sees two important events that remind us (as if we need reminding) of the power and importance of play for children’s development and wellbeing.
This year, Tuesday 11 June has been named as the inaugural International Day of Play by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.
The aim is to recognise play globally as a child’s fundamental right.
The International Day of Play website states:
"[Play] builds resilience, instils confidence, and helps children develop. But children need time to play. That’s where we need policies, training, and funding to integrate play into education and community settings.
“Play heals through learning, life skills and psychosocial wellbeing. That’s why there must be investment into diverse, inclusive, and safe play spaces, extending access to all, especially the most vulnerable and marginalised children.”
Then, in the last week of June is the Alliance’s National Week of Play 2024, which will focus on savouring those magic early moments and celebrating a child’s right to just be, without the pressure to become.
With these two important celebrations of play in our sights, it’s an ideal opportunity to think about play more globally. In our increasingly diverse society, educators should seek to understand how these cultural differences highlight the diverse ways in which societies integrate play into children’s daily lives, shaping their development and experiences.
Parental beliefs and participation: In Western societies, parents view play as crucial for children’s cognitive and social development and actively participate as play partners. In contrast, other societies might see play as incidental to children’s development; consequently there is less direct parental involvement.
Personal, social and emotional development: The role of play in socialisation can vary. For example, in some cultures, sibling play has a strong focus, while in others, play is primarily facilitated by the mother.
This reflects the different social structures and familial roles within each culture.
Learning through play: In technologically-advanced societies, play is regarded as a means to facilitate learning and acquire new knowledges. Conversely, in less technologically-advanced nations, play replicates the activities and behaviours of adults – the focus being the handing down of cultural traditions and norms.
Identity: Children’s play also reflects how they see themselves and their relationships with others. In cultures where there is a strong emphasis on self-expression and independence, children’s play may focus on personal achievements and preferences, while in some Asian countries and South American nations, the emphasis is on relationships and social roles, therefore children’s play is more likely to focus on social interactions that extend beyond the immediate family and into the wider community.
The implications for early years
The EYFS describes how educators must take reasonable steps to provide for children for whom English is an additional language and to explore their skills in their home language with their families. Ideally, educators will be equally concerned with recognising how a child’s cultural background influences how they play and their parents expectations of what our approach to early years education is.
The EYFS also reinforces the importance of play in early childhood development, particularly essential for developing cognitive, social, and emotional skills, preparing children for school, and preparing them for life in a technologically expanding world.
The characteristics of effective learning describe the behaviours of engagement, motivation and thinking that children use to learn – foremost is playing and exploring, where children are ‘finding out and exploring, playing with what they know, and being willing and having a go’ as educators help them to build their learning over time.
Imagine, then, a child whose experiences of play have differed because of their cultural background. Suddenly, they may find themselves in an early years environment that places a different emphasis on learning. This doesn’t mean they’re at a disadvantage due to their prior experiences; in fact, the opposite should be true if we value what they and their family bring to the setting! New and enriched opportunities can be tapped into as children learn to respect and value diversity.
It’s not about ‘changing’ how a child plays; every child has an innate capacity for play that evolves as they are introduced to new experiences and opportunities. The role of the educator is to recognise that the child who appears to be withdrawn or is playing in ways that may be considered inappropriate, just needs time, understanding and support before they can benefit from and contribute to a ‘playful’ curriculum in our settings.
Working in partnership
Partnership with core family units is vital in reflecting the home play and learning environment in the early years setting. It also allows for the setting’s pedagogy and curriculum to be clearly communicated to families.
Share ideas and make links to the learning that playful moments encompass. Find out about games that children play with their families and within their communities. Invite families in to play and learn alongside the children.
According to LEGO’s Play Well study in 2024, on average, three in five children would like to play more than they do now, while four in five children would like to play more with their parents or caregiver. The research also shows that eight in ten children say adults don’t always think playing is important, and seven in ten don’t believe adults take play seriously.
Finally, however and wherever you’re celebrating this June, make sure that play really is “bustin’ out all over”. And, whether celebrating internationally or unlocking those magic moments with the Alliance, it all counts.
Take every opportunity to delight in play’s many forms – the children will show you how!