SWC #4: Play in the Early Years Pt 1

​This afternoon, I had the chance to participate in an IB Exchange webinar with Sean Walker on the topic of Play in the Early Years.  It will soon be published on the IB exchange for your enjoyment.  

During the webinar, Sean gave us permission to take some screenshots and post them on social media.  Here are some of my big ideas and how I interpreted his ideas. I wouldn't be me if I didn't get cerebral on someone else's aha moments. :)

One of the first ideas that caught my attention was this slide about the central features of a story and how they apply to early years learning.  Just like every story, there is a plot that weaves through the experience.  Our young learners are deciding what is the story that they are creating.   

The plot is driven by a setting that is designed for exploration. There are a wide range of materials available for learners to tinker, create, and connect.  

Meanwhile, the characters are the members of the learning community.  Learners drive what, how, and why certain things happen in their story.  They rely upon minor characters, such as the teacher, for some guidance as needed.  

As elements of the early learning is being woven together, we can see certain themes emerge that help learners to make generalizations about the world.  This happens through meaningful play. 

Sean overlayed the story elements with the central features of early years learning in the PYP.  I found this part quite fascinating.  Play is how learners create certain themes or big ideas.  This makes sense, because it is through play where learners make meaningful connections.  

Relationships are central to connecting characters together to make meaning of the experience.  Collaboration brings about opportunities to build solid relationships with others within and beyond the school community. 

Meanwhile, the setting reflects intentional learning spaces.  They are spaces that support learner independence through purposeful design, label, and universal access for all. 

Lastly, the plot allows learners to engage with symbolic exploration and expression.  The point of play is to allow learners to decide what the plot means for them and what choices they will make to move it forward.  

Together, play helps young learners to discover their unique story of who they are, how the world works, and their unique place within it  Such a powerful tool.  A big thanks to Sean Walker for bringing these elements together. 

My goal this year is to build a more responsive learning environment to allow for more playful moments in my third grade classroom.  This webinar has helped me to think about the story that my learning space is sharing with the world.