There is strong value in play to nurture 21st-century skills in young children, especially communication, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. This online course provides beginning teachers and those with some experience with deeper insights into children’s development through play. It will help learners develop basic knowledge, skills, and dispositions to understand the role of open-ended play for young children of different age groups and stages of development.

We will explore play-based strategies, activities, tools and resources that will help you to bring more playful learning into the classroom and to conduct basic play observations. Attention is given to the role of repurposed and natural materials as a medium for engagement. You will also have the opportunity to design and implement a playful learning approach in your own context.

The course will address the following key questions: How do open-ended play materials stimulate holistic development? What kind of materials and environment is optimal for young children to nurture curiosity, wonder, and positive attitudes? How can educators document play practices?

During the course, you will meet other learners, share your ideas and contribute in active discussions. Learners will be supported by a trainer experienced in pedagogy of play and research, who will respond to questions and assignments on every step of the course. Learners who complete the course and pass the final assessment will receive certification of participation of 16 hours of professional development hours.

This workshop aligns with the Skills Framework for Early Childhood developed by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) and Workforce Singapore (WSG). It incorporates international literature, the MOE Nurturing Early Years (NEL) framework, and the ECDA's Early Years Framework.

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