How to assist children in the play process (part 1)

1. Make sure children have sufficient time for play.

Children need at least 40 – 60 minutes of uninterrupted play time per day. This allows them to develop themes and roles characteristic of mature play. Uninterrupted play is when the teacher doesn’t try to pull the children out for other activities. She also does not change the direction that the ongoing play is taking. Young children are not capable of stopping meaningful play and picking up where they left off.

In my home child care, I allow for uninterrupted play on a daily basis. I have a variety of materials that allow for the children to develop meaningful play. I try and make sure that I do not interrupt the children. Personally I enjoy stepping back and seeing where their play takes them. You learn a lot about children just by watching, that’s for sure.

2. Provide ideas for themes that extend children’s experiences and enrich the play.


By pointing out all the available roles in play, you give the children the ability to think beyond the props being used. It is a good idea to role plays the roles in front of the children, so that they can see the different roles in action. You can do this with people, with books and even with pictures as reminders.


I feel that by using prop boxes that have pictures of the roles in a good addition in my environment. As teachers we assume that the children “know” enough to have meaningful play. I also feel that by acting out roles myself to model the roles in front of the children will add more information for them to receive and use in play.


3. Choose appropriate props and toys.

By having multiple props and toys that can be used interchangeably in different contexts are what children need. Props do not have to be expensive toys that do all the “thinking” for the children. Props that allow a child to think cognitively are more important to have in the classroom.

By having prop boxes and props in the classroom that have multiple uses, the children will have more opportunities to extend their play. As a teacher, I can also use the props to help the children maintain their levels of play.


4. Help Children Plan their play.

Ask the children immediately before play begins what their play plans are. This way you can help the children to identify new props they might need, give them the tools needed to involve multiple scenarios and allow them to act them out. You can also review the child’s plans when they are finished and give them ideas and the tools necessary to extend their play into the next day.

As a teacher I can help to enrich the children’s play by asking them ahead of time, what they are going to be playing. I can also help by offering a few suggestions prior to play if needed to encourage more meaningful play.