At ESMS we recognise that play is an evolving process which supports children’s physical, psychological and neurological growth and development. In Primary 1, our play provision is continued from the Nursery and used as a fun and meaningful process through which our young children can gain essential knowledge and skills. It enables our children to follow their own interests, make choices, and learn at their own individual level and pace, whilst also making connections with taught classroom elements.

We offer rich opportunities for both child-led play and active learning daily across a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, where our children learn by doing, trying, observing and collaborating. The possibilities are endless but examples may include:

• a fire station role play area
• a letter writing message centre
• problem solving science games and experiments using loose parts
• ‘baking cakes’ in the ‘mud kitchen’
• experimenting with shape and symmetry using construction materials
• exploring phonics apps on the iPads in the classroom ‘digi-den’
• designing a toy town using natural materials
• developing gross motor skills and core strength on the Year Group obstacle course.

Through play our children deepen their understanding of how the world works, develop their self-regulation skills and learn how to engage with and relate to others. When playing cooperatively our children learn from their peers, this enhances their communication skills and strengthens their relationships. They also gain practice in overcoming challenges and this can boost their confidence and helps build resilience.

“Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold.” ~ Joseph Chilton Pearce