Early childhood play observation
Observing and Supporting Play Skills
Early childhood play observation helps educators understand a child’s current play skills, interests and abilities so they can plan experiences that support participation and development.
| Duration | Up to 2 hours for a live session including time for discussion. Pre-recorded content may be shorter |
| Delivery | Your choice of live online, in-person, or pre-recorded presentation |
| AEDC Domain | Social competence |
If we have a very wide range of ages and abilities in our group, having a good understanding of their interests and current play skills is key.
Only when we have a good understanding of a child’s current ability to engage, socialise, problem solve, create and imagine during play, can we ensure that our program fits their current and developing skills.
In this presentation we consider the different levels of play – both social engagement and complexity. We look at a range of typical Early Childhood experiences and consider how they can be adjusted to include ALL children, regardless of their current play skills. We review ways to observe and document children at play across a range of activities.
These play observation techniques help educators build a clearer picture of a child’s current abilities across different play experiences. The presentation also explores practical observation tools for early childhood practice, with a focus on using observation and documentation to better understand and support children’s play.
SRF broad goal
This item aligns with SRF Broad Goal:
‘The service will develop and implement systematic processes which focus on improving equitable access’
Early childhood play observation can support equitable access by helping educators recognise a child’s current play skills and consider how experiences can be adjusted so children with different abilities can participate.
| Individual pre-recorded | $70 per person. No time limit. Flexible, but no opportunity to ask questions. Discounts for purchases of more than 10. |
| Individual webinar ticket | $70 per person. Fixed date and time. No refunds for non-attendance. Opportunities to ask questions during the session. Discounts for purchases of more than 10. |
| Zoom session for your team | $1000 for up to 20 people. Date and time agreed between the presenter and the centre, after hours available. |
| Live face-to-face session | $1000 for up to 20 people plus travel and accommodation fees. Date and time as agreed between presenter and centre. Please request a quote before adding this option to your plan. |
| Optional extra | Coaching package: A coaching visit to your kindergarten room on the day after the face to face training session to embed the learning. Observations and discussion to reflect on how to describe and document the strengths and challenges for children in your setting. $350 per hour – 3 hour minimum. |
