# 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*

![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/aP4ZkG0xXxaL4_WdmZrdXf5OJQxyVmgBtQ62k7nb2_eOGbnQcKiw7z3bExhehKNPnWCWQQLoDf5vo2toCdlOPwkcjjZ1L1BKLvZNkheeu8QMZLWJTa4F1T2rH1Xqf6dhHhNFExpML7c-JDsaYA)![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/hKNkSEBAMss1XhQgtu-H2SYVb0fuD0gbrmBtjkQMpZBUYVBTHh5gIncvzsSon6xurkooiyEmI-65Q4tQzLY3Q4TGlTW4ZqqhsdzQzvCyKmns-3RjYoHl886Y1fGR4seY98_lHDa-t9Awv99fmA)

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


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