Play is an important way for children to naturally develop skills through fun activities rather than structured lessons. Babies and toddlers learn best in supportive and enriching environments where they can explore with responsive adults who care for their needs and interests. Effective inclusion celebrates each child's uniqueness and allows them to make choices through one-on-one attention and praise for achievements. Regular observation of children during play provides insights into their interests, skills, personalities and development levels, allowing caregivers to better attend to individual needs and improve communication with parents.

1. Lesson Six
Understanding the importance of play and observing
children during play

2. Overview
• Play
• Inclusion
• Observation

3. Playing with children is not only fun, it’s one of the most important ways to
nurture development.
Play happens in the everyday moments of life. Babies and toddlers have an inward
desire to learn and develop new skills. They do not need structured classes,
flashcards, special videos or programmed “teaching time” in order to learn. Play is a
natural way for them to develop these skills in a fun, safe environment.
Babies and toddlers learn best when they have supportive adults to care for them,
and who are responsive to their needs and interests. Babies also learn best when
they can play and explore an enriching, interesting, and child-safe environment.
Play

4. Inclusion
A child with disabilities is a child with ability.
It is not about meeting ‘special needs’ it is about meeting all children’s needs.
•Praise the children when they do a job or task well
•Listen to the children
•Celebrate each child's uniqueness
•Spend one-on-one time with each child
•Talk to the children regularly
•Celebrate even the smallest of achievements the children make
•Allow the children to make choices

5. Child Observation
Why is observing children in your care important?
Each child is different. Observing them during play helps you to gain a knowledge of:
•Their interests and preferences
•Their levels of cognitive and social development
•Their strategies for creating desired effects
•Their skills and accomplishments
•Their personalities and temperaments

6. Child Observation cont...
By observing the children in your care, you can better attend to their individual
needs. When combining the knowledge you have gained by observation along with
what you have picked up through your Parents as Partners programme, you can
continue provide the best care for your children.
As the children continue to develop, if you observe them, you can relay this
information back to their parents and carers. This will improve your relationship
with them and help their child at the same time.
For more information on observation, assessment and planning training you can
refer to the additional resources section on Moodle.