What's the idea?
A play-based curriculum is informed by children’s interests and needs (as they emerge). The teacher has fixed learning goals, but these are achieved holistically, responsively and flexibly as the children grow and develop (Van Oers and Duikers, 2013).
What does it mean?
A play-based curriculum puts play and activity at the centre of children’s learning. It is usually reserved for early years pupils, recognising that it is through play that children develop basic knowledge and skills. However, it is not a laissez-faire approach, as it needs to be carefully planned and implemented through the design of inclusive learning spaces that support children’s holistic development (Van Oers and Duikers, 2013). A play-based curriculum is built around the design of the learning environment which, according to Loris Malaguzzi, can act as a third teacher to ensure that children are able to develop emotionally, physically, socially and cognitively. Accordingly, each classr
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