One of the key components of Play Pedagogy is to have a shared understanding of what we mean by play. The Scottish Government defines it as:
“…children’s behaviour which is freely chosen, personally directed and intrinsically motivated. It is performed for no external goal or reward and is a fundamental and integral part of healthy development.” (2013b, p.14)
Play or not?
Look at the pictures below. From this definition of play, which pictures do you think actually show true play?
When an adult has added in an intended learning situation e.g. phonics or number work, it is not a true Play experience. Whilst there is still a key place for these adult-initiated types of tasks along with strong, effective learning and teaching, it is important to remember that if children don’t have the opportunity to choose and lead their own learning they are not experiencing Play Pedagogy.
The Characteristics of Learning Through Play
The Lego Foundation has 5 characteristics of play that children experience when learning effectively through play. This video exemplifies these characteristics: joyful, socially interactive, meaningful, iterative and actively engaging.
