Understanding Learning and Development through Play

Understand the features of a positive learning environment.

Additional details

Some examples of a positive environment may include:

• acknowledging that every child is unique and to be respected
• opportunities to learn and develop in the most effective way for the child and at their own rate
• opportunities to build effective relationships with other children and adults
• providing interesting, challenging and appropriate experiences to support learning and development

Learners can use the examples to then identify how children learn through the play activities. This may include:

• playing and exploring
• being creative 
• problem solving

Assessment Criteria

• 1.1
  Identify features of a setting that contribute to a positive learning environment.
• 1.2
  State how these features might help children to learn through the use of play activities and strategies.

Understand how play can help children’s learning and development.

Additional details

Learners need to consider each of the areas of development and outline ways in which they promote development.

Examples may include:

• physical - gross and fine motor skills
• intellectual - problem solving; thinking skills
• language - developing vocabulary; following instructions; taking part in conversations; listening skills
• emotional - sharing emotions; using play to get rid of frustrations
• social - making friends; working together

Assessment Criteria

• 2.1
  Outline some ways in which play can help children’s learning in each of the following developmental areas:
  • physical
  • intellectual
  • language
  • emotional
  • social

Understand how play activities can avoid stereotyping and discrimination.

Additional details

Learners need to understand the meaning of stereotyping and then give practical examples. One example could be an assumption that boys do not like cooking.

Learners can select materials, resources or activities and identify how they can challenge stereotyping and discrimination. One example could be providing a carousel of activities in which both boys and girls get to try out the full range of activities on offer. Another might be availability of images (books/posters) that show a range of adults carrying out different jobs (e.g. a male nurse, a black police officer, a teacher who is a wheel-chair user).

Assessment Criteria

• 3.1
  Give an example of stereotyping in play.
• 3.2
  Identify how a given set of materials, resources or activities can challenge stereotyping and discrimination.