Play experiences

Children’s Play activities and experiences

Physical play

We feel that having adequate space to play is an important factor in promoting the physical development of children. The children have free access to a large purpose built decking area, where they can run around, ride bikes, cars and scooters and play ball games. They are taken to local parks on a regular basis and on local outings.

This helps them to release any surplus energy and gives them the opportunity to have freedom of movement. This is good for developing skills such as running, stopping, jumping, negotiating space, climbing, balancing etc. Exercise promotes muscle tone, coordination, manipulative skills, balance, control, body awareness, resistance to infection and stimulates an appetite, digestion, circulation, sleep, mental alertness and skin health. We have a variety of toys and resources which are designed to encourage many different types of physical activity.

Imaginative Play

A wide variety of materials and situations are set up to encourage imaginative play such as a, shop, office, doctor’s surgery, restaurant etc. There is a large outdoor play house which can be used for many types of play. This is well stocked with a multitude of different toys which are designed to meet the needs of all age groups. They can dress up, use tool sets, cook play food in their pretend kitchen, do their ironing and washing or listen to music and dance. This type of play helps children to experiment with ideas and share them with others, promoting creativity. They are able to make sense of these ideas in role play and can learn to understand people and relationships. They can simulate what adults do in their role play and learn about their culture and practice language and communication skills. Imaginative play encourages manipulative skills, coordination, thinking skills and problem solving and provides an opportunity to release frustrations, anger and other emotions. Children can learn about themselves, their abilities, their feelings, their likes and dislikes as well as many other things.

Art and Craft

We keep a good stock of paints, glue, collage materials, a variety of papers and card. We collect items such as wool, fabric pieces, shells, cones, string, empty containers, feathers, bottle tops, lolly sticks, newspaper computer paper, pastas, rice, beans, etc., old cards, paper plates, ribbon – in fact, anything we can use for creative activities. This promotes self-expression, freedom to discover, experimentation and exploration. Children can express themselves creatively, develop a sense of self achievement and show off their work.

Games

We have a good selection of games suitable for all age groups which can be played indoors and outdoors. These include games such as bowling and golf and a giant snakes and ladder board game. There are several board games as well as other themed games. We find these are excellent for encouraging children to work together. Their emotional and social skills are increased by learning how to share and take their turn.

Sand and water play

This is a firm favourite with most age groups and we try to allow children access to this every day. We now have a cover over the garden so children can use this outdoors all year round and have more freedom to make a mess, without endangering the babies. We have lots of equipment for them to squirt, pour, spray, sieve, fish, etc. Children can make mathematical and scientific discoveries concerning: volume, capacity, floating, sinking and material properties.

Play dough

We have lots of different play dough in bright colours and with glitter. There is a huge box with a variety of tools and accessories to use with play dough. There are lots of low level tables and chairs so this can be all set out, providing easy access. This is excellent for inspiring children’s imaginations. There fine motor skills are challenged and this can be quite therapeutic too.

Food Preparation

We like to involve children in this activity when ever possible as it really is very popular. It is also extremely educational as it provokes much discussion. Children can learn about safety in the kitchen and hygiene. They can grasp mathematical concepts and it inspires creativity. They can learn about different food, where it comes from and about food from different cultures. Even small children can join in with this. We make sandwiches, cut fruit, and make cakes and pizzas as well as many other things.

Construction toys and puzzles

We have a good selection of different types of bricks such as lego and duplo. There are wooden puzzles for babies and cardboard puzzles for all age groups. There are even giant outdoor puzzles in plastic. These really help hand eye coordination and thinking skills. Children can experiment and be creative.

Babies

Babies are encouraged to play as soon as they are able. We use lots of brightly coloured resources which are inspiring to babies. There are activity centres, mobiles, textured toys, and toys with switches, dials, lights and sounds. We lay out brightly coloured padded mats and allow babies the freedom to explore and reach out for these toys. We support them in their play and encourage them to have as many experiences as possible. These may include experimenting with dough, paints or sorting through fabrics and trimmings.

Music and dance

All the children are encouraged to participate in these enjoyable activities. We play music and have a lovely selection of musical instruments which are suitable for all age groups. Even the tiniest of babies respond to this both verbally and physically. We sing together and make actions, using all different parts of our bodies. We dance with the children and they dance with each other. The older children are encouraged to make up singing and dancing routines and to dress up and perform for us.

ICT

In this modern day much of what we do revolves around technology and children here have the chance to experience and learn about this. They have their own laptop and we have purchased software which is designed to stimulate and educate the children. The older children can do homework, research and printing. They have their own camera and can take photo’s of each other and their work. We show them how, and let them help me download these picture and print them up.

They can play with dance mats which are great for challenging both mind and body. The younger children have a selection of toys where they can push buttons to answer questions. These can be about the alphabet, animals, numbers, spellings, general knowledge or making music. There toy battery operated telephones, a microwave and radios and cassette players. Children can practice their operating skills and can role play what adults do with some of these devices. These experiences are excellent for preparing children in coping with this technology for the future.