Lighting the Fire

The current emphasis on test scores and league tables induces many schools to rely on formal teaching methods. But is this how children really learn? In order to learn, education must come alive! If interest is kindled, children take initiative and make the knowledge their own. In this course you'll look at key ways in which you can help that to be the case for the children you work with.

Learning outcomes

• You will understand the principles of playwork and the role of play in building communication and social skills, such as negotiating, discussing plans, and sharing resources
• You will know how to incorporate play into the school day
• You will gain an appreciation of hands-on investigation and will be able to support activities that enable children to ‘think with their hands’
• You will know how to support a child to explore, make, express, or change opinions through creative play. Art supplies, resources, and a dedicated art area will be considered.
• Creativity is, of course, broader than arts and crafts so the importance of construction (or deconstruction) is also outlined. Technology should help children understand mechanical properties and forces so practical involvement is key. This course will help you understand how to support practical play.

Advantages of this course

• As Albert Einstein once said ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge’. It is important, therefore, to provide opportunities for children to become innovative thinkers through immersive, imaginative play. This short course will suggest ideas for play such as this, as well as outlining the benefits of setting aside time for daily play.
• Learning can be described as going from what is known and familiar to what is unknown and uncertain. This course will help you understand the importance of risk-taking in unfamiliar environments, such as a forest, to learning, growth, and development.
• Reading texts, website, and video resources are used to explore the subject in more detail
• There is also suggested extended reading that gives both practical information and links to websites to expand knowledge

This course was created in partnership with Community Playthings.

Price: £24.99

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