Empowering learning through play

Outstanding Early Years Development  
 

Decades of research clearly show different kinds of play are crucial to children’s later academic success and to develop their mental health and wellbeing. All children play.  Children’s brains are hot wired to find out about the world around them. This includes finding out about other people, their differences and similarities.  

Language is firstly social and cultural communication

Thoughts influenced by Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934)

Learning language is not just about learning vocabulary and grammar; it is firstly social and cultural communication.

Through play, children will reach their highest levels of learning. As children become more active in their play, they begin to understand others, and learn from each other developing social skills and cognitive skills.

To support children’s communication, parents should follow their child’s own interests and fascinations.Coercing children and leading their play can be counter productive.     True child-led play supports problem solving, investigation, motivation and exploration.

Understanding children’s friendships

Social relationships are learnt early and parents and other family members have an important task in supporting young children to feel at ease and enjoy the company of others.  As young children start to form their early contacts, other areas of their development are benefitting too.

Activity for very young children

Jack in the box

Here are some suggestions to help you enjoy time with your baby or toddler.

Workshops for parents on the power of play

Providing you with insight into your child’s development

Crayon Generation is now running workshops for parents, either organised by schools who wish to help parents encourage and understand the support needed by their children, or through one to one sessions.

These will provide: