© Community Products (UK) Ltd Simple materials / Rich experiences Block-play training, Northern Ireland 2013 © Community Products (UK) Limited Early Education
Play Francis Wardle
Children’s approach to life
Open-ended play: children determine what to do how to do it what to use
Time Kate Greenaway Nursery School
Children are active learners Francis Wardle
Imagination
Open-ended play gives imagination free rein
‘Most of the best opportunities for achievement lie in the domain of free play, with access to varied materials.’ Margaret McMillan
Limitations of ‘closed’ materials
Simple materials support open-ended play
Nature Francis Wardle
Construction and miniature play outdoors
Construction and small-world play indoors
Behaviour issues Tachbrook Nursery School
Large construction
Hollow blocks Tachbrook Nursery School
Physical development Early Education
Personal, social & emotional development
Communication and language
Literacy
Mathematics
Expressive arts and design Tachbrook Nursery School
Understanding the world
Confidence and independence
Adults’ role Archway Early Years Centre
The end!