Play Practitioners

Play Practitioners Early years Educational Consultant and Professional Development
'It is in playing, and perhaps only

17/04/2026

For years, I thought creating a play-based classroom meant starting from scratch. But the truth is, it’s the small shifts that make the biggest difference.

When we tweak our planning, language, or environment, we can meet school expectations and protect the child’s right to play.

These small shifts create big change, for you, your children, and your confidence as an educator.

Follow along for more simple, practical ways to bring play back to the heart of learning.










16/04/2026

When I started teaching, I thought I had to choose between meeting expectations and letting children play.

For years, I tried to tick every box, meet every standard, and still create a classroom full of joy and curiosity. But it often felt impossible. The pressure from top-down expectations was real, and I found myself questioning if play really had a place in ‘serious’ learning.

Then one day, I watched a group of children build an entire world out of blocks. They were negotiating, problem-solving, counting, storytelling, all through play. That moment changed everything for me.

I realised play isn’t the opposite of learning. It IS learning.

Now, I help educators and parents see that we don’t have to choose. With small shifts in planning and environment, we can meet expectations and honour the child’s right to play.

If you’ve ever felt that same tension, you’re not alone. Follow along for ideas, inspiration, and practical ways to bring play back to the heart of learning.

For years, I felt torn between meeting school expectations and honouring what I knew children needed most — time and spa...
15/04/2026

For years, I felt torn between meeting school expectations and honouring what I knew children needed most — time and space to play.

After 25 years in early childhood education, I’ve learned that play isn’t the opposite of learning. It IS learning.

Now, I support educators and parents in bridging the gap between theory and expectations, so we can meet standards and protect children’s rights to play.

If you’ve ever felt that same tension, you’re not alone. Follow along for small, practical shifts that make a big difference in your classroom, your home and your confidence.

09/04/2026

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗧𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗠𝗲 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆

During my recent visit to early childhood centres in China, I was reminded just how rich and meaningful water play can be. Watching the children engage with water in so many creative ways taught me a few important lessons:

𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. Children are naturally drawn to its movement, texture, and sound, and they learn through every splash and pour.
𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿. No matter a child’s age or ability, water play offers opportunities for success, discovery, and joy.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱. From science and maths concepts to language and social skills, water play connects across all areas of development.
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁. The experimentation, the problem-solving, and the sense of wonder are far more valuable than any “finished” outcome.
𝗜𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲𝘀. The gentle flow and rhythm of water have a calming effect, helping children regulate their emotions and find moments of peace in their play.
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆 𝗳𝘂𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆. When children are trusted to lead their own play, they become confident investigators of the world around them.

This experience reminded me that sometimes, the simplest materials can create the most profound learning moments.

Would you like me to share more insights from my visit? Contact me for insights on how to include this rich resource in your classroom or home.

08/04/2026

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗧𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗠𝗲 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆

During my recent visit to early childhood centres in China, I was reminded just how powerful block play can be. Watching the children explore, create, and collaborate opened my eyes to a few important lessons:

𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 — real, unhurried time — to explore the possibilities and limitations of the blocks.
𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗱 to suit any child, at any age or stage of development.
𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲, just like the child who builds it.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁. The problem-solving, the connections to prior understanding, the resilience and perseverance — that’s where the real learning happens.
𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆. When they lead their own play, their creativity and confidence soar.

This experience reminded me that sometimes, the most meaningful learning happens when we step back and let children take the lead.
Curious to see how this could look in your classroom or home?
Send me a DM and let's chat.

Belonging begins when every child sees themselves in the story.Representation matters, especially in early learning.When...
03/04/2026

Belonging begins when every child sees themselves in the story.

Representation matters, especially in early learning.

When children see their culture, language, and identity reflected in stories and play, they learn that they belong.

Every child deserves to feel that their story matters.

🌱 Every child belongs, every story matters.

💬 What’s one way you help children feel seen and valued in your space?

Play is a powerful way to celebrate who we are and where we come from.When children see their family stories reflected i...
01/04/2026

Play is a powerful way to celebrate who we are and where we come from.

When children see their family stories reflected in play, they feel proud, connected, and confident.

Let’s make space for every culture, every language, and every story in our play spaces.

🌍 Play connects hearts across cultures.

💬 How do you bring your family’s stories into playtime?

Water play!
01/04/2026

Water play!

When children play together, they learn that everyone belongs.Inclusive play isn’t about having the same toys or games, ...
30/03/2026

When children play together, they learn that everyone belongs.

Inclusive play isn’t about having the same toys or games, it’s about creating spaces where every child feels seen, valued, and free to join in.

🌈 Every child belongs, every story matters.

💬 What does inclusive play look like in your home or classroom?

Play does not require expensive resources. It just needs time and trusting relationships.
28/03/2026

Play does not require expensive resources.
It just needs time and trusting relationships.

A parent once told me,“I used to worry that reading to my child in my first language might hold them back. But once you ...
27/03/2026

A parent once told me,

“I used to worry that reading to my child in my first language might hold them back. But once you reassured me that a love of story begins in any language, everything changed. Now, storytime is our favourite part of the day.”

Reading begins with connection, not perfection. When families share stories in the language of their hearts, children build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Every language, every story, every voice matters.

🌱 Clarity builds confidence, and confidence builds connection.

💬 How do you share stories or reading moments at home?

Address

Anji

Website

https://www.playpractitioners.com/home

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Play Practitioners posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Play Practitioners:

Shortcuts

Share

Category