Play and playful learning

When the word play is used its meaning is perceived differently by different audiences. Even among educators there is a diversity of understanding. It is not unusual to hear play contrasted with ‘work’ in primary classrooms and play is seldom mentioned in secondary classrooms. In early years education play has a very different meaning, which does not contrast it with work but recognises it as work. For children, especially young children, play is the work of learning. But this valued perspective of play does not mean football club, dance classes or horse riding but child initiated play in which exploration, problem-solving and imagining happen. These activities, undertaken alone, or with peers or adults, enables young minds to grow connections which help them understand the world they live in.