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OPEN ENDED PLAY (THE WHAT, WHY AND HOW).

Remember when we were children, playing with stones, sand, sticks, corks from soda bottles using our imagination to create different masterpieces…. No restrictions, no set goals… Remember?

What we were engaged in was ‘open ended’ play. 

 

THE WHAT?

Open- ended means ‘no limit’. Any type of play that has no set/ specific outcomes or purpose is called “open ended play”. The children set the tone of their play and get to choose materials they would use and how to use it. There are no restrictions to this play which also means there are no limits to how far the learning can go.

 

THE WHY?

Open ended play has inexhaustible benefits for children. 

Play is a major way children make sense of their environment. Now, when it is open ended (free and unrestricted), children get to engage in deeper learning as discover the world.

From developing core life skills such as independence to social and emotional skills. To promoting creativity, critical thinking and problem solving. The benefits are endless.

 

THE HOW?

You promote open ended play when you give the children the opportunity to engage in unrestrictive play using different open ended materials. 

Your role? 

Simple… Provide open ended resources for the children to explore with. 

(Insert link for open ended resource list)

Observe and see watch deep learning take place. 

Scaffolding:  Drive deep thinking by asking open – ended questions.

 

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