In the den Scroll to learning area

Seb, almost four and his friend Chelsea, four years, are playing in the garden in a den they have built. They develop a pretend narrative questioning each other about the possibilities and how people work.

Good for looking at

• COEL – Playing and exploring, Creating and thinking critically
• Pretend play
• Socialising
• Communicating
• Emotional well-being
• Friendship
• Dens
• Understanding the world
• Outdoors

Seb, almost four and his friend Chelsea, four years, are playing in the garden in a den they have built. They quickly develop a pretend narrative.

Notice

•  What are the children are interested in? (Look out for non-verbal and body language as well as spoken language)
• How are the children learning? Which areas of development, engagement and characteristics of learning can you observe?
• How does the environment support the children’s learning?

Reflect

What are your thoughts about:

• What the children were interested in?
• The importance of the environment and the materials? How important is the den?
• Their emotional development?
• The communication skills involved?
• The importance of the friendship?

Respond

What would you do to:

• Extend the children’s interest in how the body works?
• Support the children’s well-being through play?

What next:

• Could you provide time and space for children to spend time to themselves or in small groups?

• Could you suggest a way of encouraging this kind of role play in your own setting?