- Date:
- 16 Feb 2023
This professional learning program was developed in partnership with Deakin University in 2021 to support the use of play as a pedagogical tool in the early years of schooling in Victoria.
This free online program aims to promote and optimise opportunities for play-based teaching and learning in the early years of school and strengthen teachers' knowledge and understanding of the role of play and inquiry in children's lives and learning.
The professional learning program
This on-demand program provides flexibility for participants to engage with relevant parts of the program to meet their learning needs at a time convenient for them. It includes:
- Four modules with directions for the practical application of knowledge in the classroom.
- Four pre-recorded webinars link to each module to deepen knowledge and allow participants to hear from a panel of experts/key stakeholders.
Overview of differentiated/play-based inquiry learning in the early years of schooling
Videos
Watch a welcome video by Prof. Andrea Nolan
Watch a philosophies video by Assoc. Prof. Anne-Marie Morrissey
Reading
Play-based learning can set your child up for success at school and beyond
This article was written for The Conversation to promote play as a vehicle for learning for young children. It outlines the academic and developmental learning outcomes that are linked to play-based approaches. Child-initiated and teacher-supported learning are explained with examples provided, and a direct comparison between play-based learning and direct instruction is included.
As you read the article, think about your own classroom practice:
- Is it more teacher directed?
- Where does play-based learning feature?
- Is there a balance between the play-based learning and direct-instruction learning?
Module 1: Understanding play-based and inquiry learning
This online module will deepen teachers' understanding of play and inquiry and how they support children's learning, wellbeing and social skills.
Module 2: Planning and implementing a play-based inquiry learning approach
Explore creating supportive environments for the implementation of play-based and inquiry learning for diverse learners.
Module 3: Assessing learning through play
In this module, teachers will strengthen their understanding of assessment as part of an effective planning cycle that identifies play and inquiry learning outcomes.
Module 4: Play-based and inquiry learning is differentiated and inclusive
This module will engage teachers in the inherently individualised and strength-based qualities of play-based and inquiry learning as a basis for differentiated teaching and learning.
Resource bank
Resources for each module in the differentiated/play-based inquiry learning in the early years of schooling professional learning program.
Updated