Play Activities for Young Children

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Entry Level 3
Unit No:
A/504/7501
Credits:
3
Guided learning hours:
30 hours

Assessment Guidance

Portfolio of Evidence

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Know why engaging young children in play activity is important.

The benefits of play include social, emotional, intellectual and physical development.

This can: -

  • increase self-awareness, self-esteem and self-respect
  • Improve and maintain physical and mental health
  • Give opportunities to mix with other children
  • Promote imagination, independence and creativity
  • Develop social skills
  • Support learning about the environment and wider community

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    State the benefits of engaging young children in play activity.

2

Know the range of play activities suitable for young children.

There are many examples of different play activities; these could include: -

18 months – 2 years

  • Sensory exploration – water and sand etc
  • Push along toys
  • Crayons and paper drawing
  • Bricks and stacking, construction toys
  • Musical instruments – blowing
  • Chasing games

3 – 5 years

  • Pre writing games - recognising letters
  • Drawing and colouring
  • Painting and printing
  • Craft
  • Finding pairs
  • Cooking or pretend cooking
  • Mini gardens
  • Collecting – pebbles, leaves
  • Dressing up and pretend play
  • Climbing, swinging

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1
    Give examples of different play activities suitable for young children aged:
    •18 months to 2 years
    •3 to 5 years
3

Know how to plan and set up a play activity for young children.

A plan must be devised for a specific activity for a specific group of children of a specific age.

The plan should include:-

Age, group size, staff needed, available space indoors/outdoors, equipment and materials needed and any health and safety concerns – e.g. allergies and what support a child may need

The key areas of learning must be identified :-

  • Physical development
  • Personal, social, emotional development
  • Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Understanding the world
  • Expressive art and design

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    Describe the key elements of a chosen play activity for a group of children of a specific age.

  • 3.2

    Outline the expected learning from the chosen activity.

  • 3.3

    List resources required for the chosen activity.

  • 3.4

    Identify any health and safety considerations for the chosen activity.

  • 3.5

    Outline the support young children may need in carrying out the activity.