"Our task, regarding creativity, is to help children, climb their own mountains as high as possible. No one can do more." ~ Loris Malaguzzi

Children are perceived as capable, competent, creative individuals who are eager to learn from other children, adults, or their environment. Learning through play is the most effective strategy which aids to child's development. The most common stereotype we find around the concept of play is that 'Play is a waste of time.' However to spread awareness regarding the importance of play in the community I would like to share a quote " Play is the highest form of research" by Albert Einstien. We shall discuss the four basic characteristics of Play-based pedagogy for children.

Helping the child to develop a sense of self -regulation. (1) Play is self-directed where children are given the opportunity to choose, create, and perform their own activities. Play-based pedagogy is free from an adult-directed approach. (2)Free play is motivating for the children during their development process. Here 'Children play not because they have to play but as they want to play.'  Children play as they like to perform the activities and there is no unhealthy competition of winning or getting a trophy related to it. Free play is a lot more different concept than academic-focused learning where the child is part of a product-based approach rather than a process-based approach. (3) Play is structured as in this process the child directs the play. The child is the active participant in this process and it is structured by the child itself. (4) Play is imaginative. The child while engaged in the play is free to express their ideas, solutions, and emotions through the imagination while constructing their pretend play. 

Hence while planning for the age-appropriate developmental domains for children we as a community (that includes educators, parents, and families) do not need to worry about giving several costly materials during the play. Available opportunity,  safe space, and natural or open-ended materials are enough to let children explore their environment. The learning process with the play will be successful as children will be given the opportunity for getting the hands-on experience. 

Click on this link to enjoy a short video by Dr. Peter Gray as she explains the characteristics of play in detail. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJaAegok8L4&feature=emb_logo

Reference:

ECETP, Play-based learning with Dr. Peter Gray, 2018, [Video], YouTube
Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJaAegok8L4&feature=emb_logo