What are examples of child initiated activities?
Small world play
- mirrors or mirror tiles to create a different viewpoint, give the impression of large spaces and create reflective surfaces of ponds, streams or rivers.
- old style ‘dolly’ pegs to add new characters to small world play – make lace, ribbons and fabrics available for the children to dress the ‘dollies’
What is child initiated approach?
Child initiated learning is understood as giving children the opportunity to plan and develop both their play and interests. By taking this approach instead of the traditional, teacher-directed approach, children are able to develop critical skills, concentration, and perseverance that they otherwise wouldn’t.
How do you plan a child initiated learning?

Review the opportunities to extend learning.
- Organize the environment. ‘A rich and varied environment supports children’s learning and development.
- Ensure that the children have plenty of time.
- Value the play by joining in.
- Review the opportunities to extend learning.
What is the difference between adult directed play and child initiated?
Adult-led play involves caregivers, teachers, or parents directing the play, and it is usually done with large groups, with assessments, or for safety reasons. Child-led play is for independent learning and may or may not involve an adult because it depends on the child’s interests.
What does child initiated play look like?
Child-initiated play is a style of play where the activities are directed by children. Like Free Play in Early Years, it gives children the freedom to choose what they play with, as well as how and when they do so.

What are the characteristics of child initiated play?
The 5 Key Features
- Resource Rich Learning Environments.
- Child in Control.
- Open-Ended Possibilities.
- Adults follow Children’s Cues.
- Adults Support, but do not Direct.
Why is child initiated important?
Child-initiated play supports children’s creative and imaginative learning and developmental skills. This also enables them to learn first hand experiences, allowing them to choose how to use their resources.
What does the Eyfs say about child initiated play?
Child-initiated play supports children in having ideas and being in control of their learning. It enables them to learn through first-hand experiences, allowing them to choose how to use the resources to do so.
How can I help my child initiate play?
For example, you may ask the child if they would like to play inside or outside, use craft supplies, color, get out some puzzles, choose a toy or play a game. When you offer children choices of activities or play, you are promoting child-led play.
What are the negatives of child initiation?
The disadvantages of child initiated play are the children may only play in the areas they prefer or feel comfortable in if they do this it will limit their skills. The learning of the child might also be affected because of the adult not being in the setting so the children will not learn new skills.
What are the disadvantages of child initiated play?
Potential disadvantages to child-led play
- Limited development – When directing themselves, children get caught up in their preferences.
- Limited learning – Without the involvement of adults, children don’t tend to apply educational concepts to their activities as naturally.
What are the benefits of child initiated activities?
Child-initiated play has an important role in children’s learning and development. With this kind of play, children explore and learn from their own thoughts and ideas. It gives children the space to be really creative with what they do and drive their own exploration.
What is initiated play in child development?
Definition of Child Initiated Play Child Initiated play is defined as play that is instigated, led and controlled by the child rather than the adult. A child led play scenario should allow a child to control the direction and narrative of their play experiences. How do you initiate play?
What is the meaning of child initiated?
Child-initiated learning is learning activity that children initiate themselves, as opposed to learning activity that is initiated and directed by adults. Children plan and select their own activities, and adults participate rather than lead them. What is child initiated play in early years?
How do you use in the moment planning in childcare?
This can be used to engage the child and create curiosity and conversation about other shapes. One of the greatest hesitations practitioners have about in the moment planning is the question of exactly what and how to plan, in addition to how to reflect on what the children have achieved in a formalised way.
What are child-initiated activities?
Child-initiated activities require the adult to: 1 carefully plan the environment 2 think about and organize the resources that will be available to the children 3 plan the session so children have sufficient time to become immersed in their play.