Open-ended play can be so simple, yet its benefits for the child are immense.
Open-ended play is a type of play that supports children’s learning and development through unstructured and child-led interactions. Nothing fancy is needed, and often the most magic happens when the adult takes a step back and lets the child ‘‘take over’.
In moments of open-ended play a child will:
- think outside the box, invent scenarios, and express themselves freely
- negotiate roles, share ideas and work together
- learn communication, cooperation and empathy skills
As well as:
- harness creativity, critical thinking and decision making skills
- regulate their emotions, express themselves, and relate to others
Open- ended products mean that children can create and imagine using toys or items that don’t have a specific purpose. For example, wooden blocks, and play silks offer countless opportunities for children in play.
So how can we provide a child with opportunities to play freely within our busy schedule?
Here is a simple, yet really effective way to allow your children to play freely!
A little bonus to open-ended play is that it offers you, the adult, a little more time too, as the children happily play!
Without drawing too much attention arrange a small area in your home or garden with a few simple and open-ended toys.
Once ready, you may invite the child to hold the blocks and talk about what they might be. Offering the child a little figurine or favourite doll may lead the child to create a home for their favourite toy. Or not?! Only the child will decide.
Play silks can be arranged to represent water, earth or mountains but they can also be used as capes, or wings and even shelters or cubbies.
Again, moments of open-ended play aren’t complicated and can be achieved in the most simple of ways.
By providing children with toys that are open-ended with no set intention, you will find that the use for them will also last the test of time. I often observe that these are the toys my children return to time and time again.
These seemingly small moments for us have a tremendous impact for our small little beings!
So sit back and watch the magic happen.