It’s Time To Play Every Day: How Play can Bring Creativity to Early Years and Primary Classrooms

Embedding Play Into Everyday Routine

Growing up in an adventure playground, play was an integral part of my daily routine. From the moment I stepped outside, my world transformed into a playground of endless possibilities. Travelling on the tube or bus was not merely a means of getting from one place to another; it was an adventure in itself. I would immerse myself in the sights and sounds around me, conjuring up stories about the people I saw and the places we passed. Coffee shops became observation posts where I could watch the world go by, letting my imagination run wild. Each journey, every stop, and every new environment provided a canvas for creativity and discovery.

Transforming everyday spaces into worlds of play became second nature to me. A park bench could become a pirate ship, a crowded street a bustling marketplace in a far-off land. This ingrained sense of play shaped who I am today, fostering a lifelong love of creativity and exploration. Now, as a passionate consultant for inclusive play work and practice, specifically for this piece about early childhood education, I’m here to discuss how to embed play into daily routines for you, a primary school teacher or early years educator. By incorporating play into your everyday interactions and lessons, you can create an environment where learning is enjoyable, curiosity is nurtured, and children are motivated to explore and discover. How amazing is play, right?

The Power of Imagination

Envision a classroom where learning becomes a "lit" aka joyful adventure, and students unleash their creativity, turning ordinary lessons into extraordinary experiences. With the power of imagination, the mundane is transformed into the magical, and active engagement becomes exciting.

Picture this: a lesson about the jungle springs to life as the classroom morphs into a lush rainforest. Vines drape from the ceiling, animal sounds echo softly in the background, and children eagerly step into their roles"”some as daring explorers, others as vibrant parrots, playful monkeys, or mighty lions with a very loud roar. The entire class collaborates in this immersive world, not only learning about jungle animals but also embodying their movements, sounds, and behaviours. Through play and dramatic interaction, children retain knowledge in meaningful, unforgettable ways.

Imaginative experiences could extend to any subject! When teaching about the solar system, the classroom could turn into a spaceship, with students navigating through the stars and planets. Maths becomes an exciting treasure hunt, with students solving puzzles to uncover hidden gems. Even abstract topics, like emotions, can come alive through imaginative props and role-play, helping children explore feelings in a safe and engaging environment.

By creating these active, imaginative spaces, teachers give children the freedom to explore, experiment, and learn in ways that ignite their creativity and foster a deep love for discovery. This approach not only makes learning exciting but also helps build confidence and critical thinking skills.

When imagination takes the lead, every lesson becomes a new adventure, turning education into an exhilarating journey where anything is possible. Teachers and early years professionals, if you think creatively and harness the power of your imagination, your children will be inspired to do the same! Try incorporating imaginative play into your lesson plan at least once a week or even twice a month, and watch as their learning outcomes and overall engagement thrive.

Overcoming Challenges with Creative Solutions

Transforming a classroom into an imaginative world can feel daunting, especially with a small budget, but with easy-to-use loose parts, you can achieve this while promoting curiosity. They are simple, everyday items that not only make setup manageable but also provide endless opportunities for hands-on exploration.

Here are some easy loose parts to promote curiosity and play in your setting:

• Repurposed Household Items: Egg cartons, tin foil, plastic bottles, bottle tops, kitchen utensils (spoons, sieves, potato mashers), and baking trays can be transformed into tools for building, sorting, or imaginative play.
• Natural Elements: Shells, leaves, twigs, acorns, stones, and straw bales bring nature into the classroom and create tactile, sensory-rich experiences.
• Fabric and Textiles: Ribbons, feathers, wool, string, silk, and sheets are fantastic for creating textures, props, or costumes.
• Containers and Bases: Milk crates, plant pots, basins, wooden pallets, and buckets are versatile for stacking, organising, or constructing creative structures.
• Art Supplies: Brushes, paint, sponges, Velcro rollers, and chalk are perfect for unleashing artistic expression during imaginative activities.
• Building and Manipulative Tools: cardboard, curtain rings, dolly pegs, bamboo, and cove moulding enable problem-solving and construction.
• Dynamic Play Materials: Dried pasta, mud, sand, water, and funnels encourage sensory play and experimentation.

Harnessing Play to Drive Inquiry-Based Learning

Loose parts invite students to become active creators, allowing them to explore, manipulate, and combine materials in limitless ways. For example:

• A ribbon can become a bird's tail in a dramatic play jungle.
• Pots and pans can transform into musical instruments for a storytelling soundtrack.
• Acorns and shells can create counting tales or serve as "treasures" in a pirate adventure.

These materials invite open-ended exploration and inspire students to think outside the box. With loose parts, imagination truly knows no bounds, and every lesson becomes an opportunity for discovery and wonder.

Power Up Play Breaks

One of my favourite approaches to embedding play in a setting is introducing scheduled short 5-10 minute play breaks"”brief, innovative intervals throughout the day designed to help children recharge and refocus. These breaks are incredibly flexible and can be as abstract, creative, and dynamic as the teacher envisions. When thoughtfully integrated into the week, they provide a powerful outlet for students to express themselves. Short bursts of unstructured, playful fun encourage children to explore and think freely, leading to better focus and motivation when returning to structured tasks.

I recall a memorable moment while collaborating with a school that perfectly captured the magic of this practice. A child enthusiastically asked, “This is so cool, I can play how I want to?” I responded with a smile, “Yes, let your imagination go wild.” Without missing a beat, the child cheered, “Hahah, woohoo, this is so awesome!” Witnessing their joy and excitement confirmed the profound impact of these play breaks, not just on their wonder, but also on their morale and sense of autonomy. These moments illustrate the value of allowing children to explore their own ideas through play, making learning both fun and meaningful.

By incorporating these play breaks into your routine, you can create an environment that celebrates originality, nurtures well-being, and energises young learners. It's simple yet the best! Go on, give it a try!

Use Playful Transitions

It's easy to create playful transitions, and here is how! Use songs, rhymes, or fun signals to move from one activity to another, making transitions smoother and keeping children engaged.

Example: For a playful transition, you can use a simple "repeat after me" song:

Teacher: Clap your hands, 1-2-3

Children: Clap your hands, 1-2-3

Teacher: Touch your nose, then your knee

Children: Touch your nose, then your knee

Teacher: Let’s sit down and wiggle your fingers

Children: Let’s sit down and wiggle your fingers

5 P's of Inclusive Play Practice

When in doubt, dive into the magic of the 5 P's of Inclusive Play Practice. A framework I've lovingly crafted to spark passionate play in any setting.

These five pillars:

Presence, Potential, Participation, Praise, and Playfulness

Work together to create an environment where every child feels seen, valued, and empowered. Let the 5 P's guide you in shaping joyful, inclusive experiences that bring out the best in everyone!

 

Amber is a Champion of Childhood for the NSPCC. Read more about her work below.

Thank you to Charlie from Seb & Charlie Design Studio for creating the illustrations for this article.

 

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