About

About PlayMap

Parents or facilitators can use PlayMap as a tool to plan experiences for children at playgroup. PlayMap is based on the national Early Years Learning  Framework. PlayMap reflects the principles, practices and outcomes of the framework to  support and enhance young children’s learning from birth to five years of age, as well as their transition to other early childhood settings and school.

Young children learn through play using their sense of wonder and imagination. A child’s imagination is fostered through stories, storytelling, songs, music, drama, movement, and interaction and involvement with nature.Young children’s learning takes place in the context of play. As a result of playing, children learn to make sense of their world. They do this by exploring, being involved in creative and physical play, and interacting with peers and adults. Learning through the arts promotes multiple skills and abilities such as social, personal and cognitive competencies.  The play of young children is a vital process where children learn how to be a valued part of a community. During play young children explore, discover, imagine, create, problem solve, negotiate, share, wait  and take turns.

Play provides a learning platform for children to understand the world around them.  Research overwhelmingly shows early interactions influence a child’s brain development, with the first five years being the most significant growth. Secure and trusting relationships with caring adults is vital when trying to support children’s learning and wellbeing.