Play, symbolic exploration and expression, and learning spaces in the early years

To best support the developmental readiness for learning in our youngest students, considerations for early learners (ages 3-6) can be made at this point in the planning process. The following prompts are suggested to support discussion and planning for early years educators:

• Play

  • What opportunities are there for uninterrupted play, indoors and outdoors?

  • What opportunities are there for student-initiated experiences?

  • How can we create authentic opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate approaches to learning and attributes of the learner profile?

• Symbolic exploration and expression

  • What opportunities are there to support the development of language and mathematical understandings?

  • How will students express their ideas, make connections and consolidate their understandings in different contexts?

  • How are we integrating languages to support multilingualism?

• Learning spaces

  • How will flexible learning spaces promote exploration, wonder, creativity, risk-taking and learning through play?

  • How are resources and materials organised to support student choice and agency?

  • What opportunities are there to involve students in the co-design and co-construction of learning spaces?

-PYP Planning Template

These images show how one early years teacher fosters student agency with their learning choices and within the learning environment.