“Children’s play is crucial to Scotland’s
wellbeing; socially, economically and
environmentally. Children learn as they play
and bringing more play into the school day
helps foster children’s natural curiosity and
motivation to learn.”
(Maree Todd MSP, in Play Scotland’s Playful Pedgogy: a guide to getting started , September 2020)
Ask us about our play this week! What did I wonder about? Did the ‘I wonder’ get answered? What new things did I learn? When did we laugh? How did we solve a challenge by working together? What will I do again next week and would I do it differently? @airthprimary #playisthewayfc pic.twitter.com/HchzJGy2Sx
— P1G and Mrs Gall (@MrsGallAPS) January 24, 2020
In Falkirk we have embraced play as a vehicle for learning in our early learning and early primary settings for many years. Our ambition is for children in Falkirk to experience a broad, stimulating curriculum which is informed by their prior learning and interests about the world around them. As highly skilled practitioners who ask thoughtful questions and facilitate learning with depth, challenge and application we aim to support and guide every child to progress their learning. We provide a developmentally appropriate approach to teaching in learning; informed by research which shows that young children learn best through play and first hand experiences (Bruce, 2015). Our Play is the Way approach supports and extends children’s learning by providing them with regular opportunities to:
- make their own choices and decisions;
- return to experiences over time to deepen learning and practice skills;
- discuss thoughts, ask questions and extend their ideas
Adapted from Practice guidance materials for Play Pedagogy in the early stages of primary school (Falkirk Council 2020)
This approach is described in research as play pedagogy and in Falkirk, Play is the Way is our play pedagogy brand. Through following #playisthewayFC on Twitter, it is clear to see the passion and commitment Falkirk educators have for play pedagogy and we are so proud of the many inspiring and motivating spaces, experiences and interactions being provided for Falkirk’s children. Here are just a couple of recent examples from #playisthewayFC.
The puppet theatre has been very popular and the list of literacy skills endless! I was given a ticket and a receipt and we had to sign our names on arrival. I watched a fantastic puppet show by two very funny boys @MorayPS #playisthewayfc pic.twitter.com/keOxIeDoFY
— MorayPS P1 (@P1MorayPS) August 26, 2020
These pupils built a shop and used @Numicon as money. 1 pupil said “that’ll be £6 please” and was given a 4 and a 2 @Numicon #playisthewayfc pic.twitter.com/ylf5qq2niw
— P1, Mrs Jalland, & Ellie Elephant🏴 (@ElliePrimary1) November 3, 2020
For more information about play pedagogy click on the links in the text above or access Play is the Way – the full story for more detailed information and guidance (Glow sign-in required to access Falkirk Council materials).
#wonderisers
