Hocus Pocus Alakazam!

Posted on November 16 2018

The imagination is a powerful tool which can be innate in some children but needs encouraging in others. In the Early Years, we provide children with the opportunity to develop their imagination by providing them with spaces, scenarios, props and the support they need to explore their real life or imaginary worlds. Imaginative play not only aids intellectual development but also improves children’s social skills and their creativity. In addition, it gives children a chance to play out events that they have observed or experienced in real life.

We create areas, such as the witches and wizards’ workshop, that engage learners in purposeful play which is both child-initiated and adult led. The balance between these two types of play is of extreme importance. Children can learn by leading their own play and allowing their needs and interests to guide their activities. However, it is also critical that in the Reception class, there is a gradual movement towards activities which are more adult led, in order to prepare them for more formal learning as they enter Year 1.