Play - the role of the learner and the role of the educator

Gosh - how lucky was I to work with Anne van Dam in a previous school!  I've just been reading the new publication from the IB entitled The role of the educator in play which is on the Programme Resource Centre.  I was immediately struck by this wonderful Venn Diagram which so clearly explains the role of the learner and the role of the educator.

For me the important thing here is reflection - it's important that both students and teachers reflect on the process of learning and how the children are inquiring into the world through play, while at the same time developing the skills that help them to become self-regulated learners.  

The publication includes a series of vignettes illustrating some of the opportunities listed below the diagram, followed by prompts to help you make connections with the examples and your own context. This is definitely going to be a go-to resource for when I next lead an Early Years workshop!