Creating a Love for Learning: Eight Strategies for Teaching Early Years Children Using Play in EYFS Settings

Fostering a love for learning in young children is essential for their development. Play in EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) settings is crucial, and arguably the best way to offer children opportunities to explore, discover, and develop a passion for learning. In this blog post, we will look at eight practical strategies to ignite curiosity and enthusiasm in young learners using play.

1. Encourage First-Hand Experiences Through Play in EYFS Settings

Children learn best through first-hand experiences. Providing activities they can choose and engage with directly helps them understand the world around them. Facilitate this using play in EYFS settings by allowing children to immerse themselves in fun and educational activities. For instance, Let’s Grow offers engaging educational resources centred around gardening activities that enable children to learn about nature and healthy eating through direct interaction with plants and soil.

2. Foster Imaginative Play in EYFS Settings

Imaginative play is a powerful tool for learning. Through storytelling and role-playing, children can explore different scenarios, develop problem-solving skills, and enhance creativity. Incorporating imaginative play in EYFS settings with characters like Mr. Bloom and the fruit and vegetable babies from Let’s Grow, will make learning an exciting adventure. Resources like these help children build narratives, engage in role-play, and develop a love for learning.

3. Provide Opportunities for Cooperative Play in EYFS Settings

Depending on the age and stage of development, play in EYFS settings often involves children playing alongside or with others. Cooperative play helps children develop social skills, and learn to share and understand different perspectives. Let’s Grow Educational Resources include group play activities like meeting the characters and circle times. These activities teach children about teamwork, and interacting with others, and make learning a collaborative and enjoyable experience.

4. Support Exploration and Experimentation Through Play in EYFS Settings

Exploration and experimentation are key components of learning through play. Children should be given multiple opportunities to safely test their ideas, try new things, and learn from their mistakes. Play in EYFS settings should include hands-on activities, like observing plant growth or experimenting with different gardening techniques, providing a safe space for children to explore and discover. These experiences promote brain development and encourage a lifelong love for learning.

5. Create a Rich, Enabling Environment for Play in EYFS Settings

A stimulating environment is essential for engaging young children. Play in EYFS settings thrives in settings rich with diverse materials and resources. Let’s Grow enhances these environments with colourful, tactile, and interactive tools that captivate children’s interests. By creating a space where children feel free to explore and play, educators can support their natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.

6. Encourage Child-Led Play in EYFS Settings

Allowing children to dictate the pace and focus of activities fosters independence and confidence. Practitioners should provide subtle support and let children take control in their play. Let’s Grow Educational Resources can benefit child-led play in EYFS settings, as activities are designed to be flexible, allowing children to explore at their own pace and follow their interests. This approach helps children develop a sense of autonomy and a deeper connection to their learning experiences.

7. Engage Parents and Carers in Play in EYFS Settings

Involving parents and carers in the learning process will reinforce children’s enthusiasm for learning. Share strategies and resources with them, and encourage participation in learning activities at home. Let’s Grow enriches play in EYFS settings and at home by providing easy-to-use guides and activities that parents can incorporate into daily routines, making learning a continuous and enjoyable part of family life.

8. Celebrate Achievements and Progress in Play in EYFS Settings

Recognising and celebrating children’s achievements boosts their confidence and motivation. Praise and encouragement for completing a project, participating in an activity, or mastering a new skill will encourage further learning. Play in EYFS settings should be encouraged and praised at every opportunity, allowing children to see their growth and feel proud of their accomplishments.

Learning through play in EYFS settings will support children’s educational development and make learning an exciting and enjoyable adventure. By incorporating these strategies and leveraging the engaging resources from Let’s Grow, educators and parents can create a nurturing environment that inspires a lasting passion for learning in young children.

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