This guide will help you answer 2.2 Summarise how philosophical approaches impact on own understanding of play provision.
Understanding how different philosophical approaches impact play provision is essential. Each philosophical approach brings a unique perspective that shapes how practitioners see and facilitate children’s play. Let’s delve into the core philosophies and their impacts.
Before examining various philosophical approaches, it is crucial to recognise why play is vital in early years settings. Play helps children develop physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills. It is through play that children explore the world around them, learn to solve problems, and interact with others. Consequently, the philosophical standpoint a practitioner adopts can significantly influence how they structure and support play.
Key Philosophical Approaches
Different philosophical outlooks offer unique lenses on play provision. Let’s explore some of the significant approaches:
Froebelian Approach
Friedrich Froebel, the founder of the kindergarten, emphasised the importance of play in learning. He believed that through play, children express their inner thoughts and ideas:
- Self-activity: Froebel saw children as active learners, suggesting that play should be child-initiated.
- Creativity: Activities should encourage creativity and allow children to explore materials and ideas.
- Use of nature: Froebel emphasised the natural world, advocating for the integration of natural objects in play.
Impact: Using Froebel’s approach, practitioners might create environments filled with natural materials and facilitate outdoor play. They would also allow children more autonomy to choose activities, fostering independence and creativity.
Montessori Approach
Maria Montessori’s philosophy is built on structured, purposeful play. She observed that children thrive in environments where they can explore materials designed for specific learning outcomes:
- Prepared environment: Classrooms are set up with carefully chosen materials that children can interact with independently.
- Role of the adult: Adults act as guides rather than leaders, facilitating children’s exploration rather than directing it.
- Self-directed learning: Children choose activities according to their interests but within a structured setting.
Impact: Practitioners using a Montessori approach create a meticulously organised environment with materials that promote self-directed learning. They focus on observing children and providing guidance only when necessary, promoting autonomy and discipline.
Reggio Emilia Approach
The Reggio Emilia philosophy, originating from Italy, centres on collaborative, experiential learning and the belief that children are capable learners:
- Children as protagonists: Children are seen as active participants in their learning journey.
- Role of environment: The learning environment is considered the ‘third teacher’ and is designed to be engaging and conducive to exploration.
- Project-based learning: Learning is often project-based, stemming from children’s interests.
Impact: In a Reggio Emilia-inspired setting, practitioners create vibrant, stimulating environments. They work on long-term projects that emerge from children’s questions and interests, encouraging deep exploration and collaboration.
High/Scope Approach
The High/Scope approach is based on active participatory learning, where children learn through direct experiences and play:
- Plan-do-review: This method involves children planning their activities, carrying them out, and then reviewing them.
- Active learning: Children learn by doing, with the belief that adults should support but not control their learning.
- Assessment: Continuous assessment through observation is crucial for understanding and supporting each child’s development.
Impact: Practitioners using this approach encourage children to take an active role in their learning process. They provide a balanced mix of adult-guided and child-initiated activities, ensuring children have ample opportunities to plan, execute, and reflect on their play.
How Philosophical Approaches Guide Practice
Each philosophical approach provides a framework that helps practitioners understand the value of different types of play and the role they should take. Here’s how understanding these philosophies can impact your practice:
- Curriculum Planning: Philosophical approaches inform the design of your curriculum. For instance, a Reggio Emilia approach might lead you to create a more flexible, project-based curriculum, whereas a Montessori approach could result in a more structured environment with specialised materials.
- Role of the Practitioner: Your role changes based on the philosophical approach. If you follow the High/Scope approach, you’ll be more of a facilitator, encouraging children to plan and review their activities. In a Montessori setting, your role would be more as a preparer and observer, guiding children subtly.
- Environment Setup: The physical environment you create is a direct reflection of these philosophies. A Froebelian-inspired setup might integrate many natural elements, while a Montessori environment would be meticulously organised with various learning stations.
- Child Autonomy and Choice: Philosophies like Montessori and Reggio Emilia promote high levels of child autonomy and choice, impacting how you allow children to select their activities and materials.
Practical Examples
To understand these impacts better, consider some practical examples:
- Outdoor Play: Following Froebel’s principles, you might design an outdoor area rich with plants and natural materials, encouraging children to explore and play freely.
- Classroom Organisation: In a Montessori-inspired classroom, you would have shelves at child-level filled with tactile, educational materials for children to choose from independently.
- Project Work: Drawing from Reggio Emilia, you might embark on a project investigating insects if the children show interest in them, allowing children to research, draw, and even create their insect habitats.
Conclusion
Summarising how philosophical approaches impact your understanding of play provision involves recognising that each approach offers distinct principles that shape children’s learning experiences. Whether it is the self-initiated play of Froebel, the structured learning in Montessori, the collaborative exploration in Reggio Emilia, or the active learning in High/Scope, each philosophy provides valuable insights.
Understanding these approaches helps you create a play environment that nurtures, challenges, and respects the individuality of each child. It guides your role and the curriculum, ensuring that play provision is a thoughtful balance of guidance, structure, and freedom, aligned with developmental needs and interests. Keep these philosophies in mind as you plan and reflect on your practice, and you’ll be well-equipped to offer high-quality play experiences that support all areas of children’s development.
