Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul. (Froebel 1896)
- Play is essential for young children’s cognitive, social, emotional, physical and brain development.
- Through play, children construct meaning and define themselves as members of a learning community.
Inquiry in the early years is intimately connected with the development of children's understanding of the world and acknowledges children's competencies to explore, discover and interact with the physical and social world around them. Through play, children become increasingly skilled at being group members, initiating and working through projects, asking questions and exploring possible worlds through imagination. Over time, children define, construct and negotiate meaning and identity, situating themselves as members of a learning community.