Play Therapy UK (PTUK) defines play as “A Physical or mental leisure activity that is undertaken purely for enjoyment or amusement and has no other objective”. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary states planning as “The act or process of making or carrying out plans; specifically: the establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit”. This assignment will examine how crucial planning is in the organisation of play in the nursery. it will begin by investigating the planning framework and follow this I will describe numerous features of play.
The length of long-term plans varies incredibly. Some settings view a long term plan as over six weeks; whilst in school settings it usually refers to a full academic year’s work. Long-term plans should outline how curriculum is to be delivered and the themes need to be considered that are to be used over the period. Long term planning (overview/vision) should link into the whole school curriculum plan and identify the leaning opportunities offered by each activity area. They also identify how the area will cater fir the differing needs and abilities of children and state how adults might interact with children in areas to extend/deepen knowledge skills understanding. It identifies the link with the National Curriculum subjects and SCAA areas of learning – learning outcomes and includes transition arrangements and home visiting arrangements – in broad terms
Medium-term plans are in some settings called curriculum plans. The length of a medium term plan depends on the long-term plan. In some schools a medium term plan shows coverage for half a term, whilst in some pre-school settings it shows coverage for half a term, whilst shows coverage for a fortnight or month. Medium term planning (termly half termly) should include the topic or focus for the term or half term and specific learning opportunities to be provided in particular areas (related to Desirable Outcomes and Programmes of Study for the National Curriculum where appropriate). Resources are needed and visits, Visitors, new children all can help with the displays.
Short term planning falls into two categories: Curriculum centred planning which breaks down medium term plans into weekly units and is further broken down into daily plans. These should give an indication of what the adults are going to be doing, with whom, when and where. Child centred planning, which is informed by interaction with and observation of the children and deciding what’s coming next.
Play is a fundamental mode of interaction within the world for children and is described as an activity with no goal other than the enjoyment derived from it. It is, both to and for the child, the most important and serious activity. Opportunities to play with adults, as well as other children, are important to children. Play is an essential means of exploring, expanding and representing experiences. Through play children learn skills, gain concepts and understanding and draw relationships between concepts. They are able to practice problem solving and decision-making, and learn how to successfully interact with other children and adults. Play is the most powerful way that children learn.
Play enables children to strengthen their body, improve their mind and develop their personality. The adult has an important role in providing an interesting, safe and suitable play environment for the child. There should be adequate space for the child to be able to manipulate age-appropriate play equipment. Play develops in stages, as children develop socially from solitary play (playing alone), to parallel play (alongside other children), to associate play (watching and copying other children) and finally to co-operative play (playing with other children).