Julie Hansen, Early Years Consultant, discusses invitations to play in early childhood education. Topics include observation, open-ended materials, educational leadership, and the importance of engaging with children. Recommendations for professional development resources are also shared.
Invitations to play spark wonder and learning by reflecting children's interests and ideas.
Diverse materials in program spaces aid children in exploring, creating, and promoting ongoing curiosity.
Deep dives
Understanding Invitations to Play
Invitations to play comprise materials that reflect children's interests and ideas, fostering development through exploration and discovery. Educators observe children's play cues to design engaging materials that spark wonder and learning in program spaces.
Incorporating Varied Materials
Emphasizing the use of diverse materials like loose parts, natural elements, and art supplies in program environments allows children to independently explore and create. Educators prioritize setting up environments that cater to children's interests and provide a wide array of materials to encourage ongoing curiosity and discovery.
Facilitating Learning through Observation
Encouraging educators to observe children's play, take anecdotal notes, and engage with materials alongside children enhances learning experiences. By being open to learning alongside children and extending play opportunities based on observations, educators can create enriching experiences that support children's development. It's vital for educators to challenge themselves, reflect on experiences, and continuously seek ways to improve their teaching practices.
This week on The Preschool Podcast, we chat with Julie Hansen, Early Years Consultant and Founder of Inspired ECE. We discuss invitations to play and how educators can best facilitate these in their classrooms.
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