Early Years – Play and Active Learning

Red-haired girl on swing

Date: Saturday 3 October 2009, 09.30–14.30

Venue: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

As Curriculum for Excellence moves towards implementation this conference provided a valuable opportunity for the Early Years community in Scotland to consider and develop the important discussion and debate around the role of play and active learning.

What was the conference focus?

  • What do we mean by active learning and play?

  • How can practitioners ensure that children experience active learning and play across the curriculum?

  • How can we maximise the potential benefits of outdoor learning for all children?

The leaflet from the event can be downloaded:

PDF file: Play and Active Learning - conference programme (242 KB)

As we continued to explore active learning and play, the following keynote speakers provided us with the opportunity to explore the critical issues together.

The Power and Potential of Play

Photograph of Pat Kane

Pat Kane is a musician, writer, consultant and activist.

Pat aims to address the focus of play mainly from the view of an adult. He explores the definition of play and the complex nature that surrounds it in both an educational environment as well as in terms of lifelong learning.

Watch the full-length presentation.

Playing, Doing, Thinking, Learning

Photograph of Christine Stephen

Dr Christine Stephen, Researcher, Stirling Institute of Education, University of Stirling.

Christine explores the concept of playing, doing, thinking, learning and the impact on practice for early years practitioners.

Watch the full-length presentation.

Download the presentation file:

PowerPoint file: Playing, Doing, Thinking, Learning (770 KB)

Maximising Environments for Learning

Photograph of Kevin Kelman

Kevin Kelman, Programme Leader, BA Childhood Practice, Faculty of Education, University of Glasgow (now Quality Development Officer, Stirling Council).

Kevin explores how active learning can maximise learning environments and the importance of active approaches within Curriculum for Excellence.

Watch the full-length presentation.

Active Learning Outdoors in the Early Years

Photograph of Juliet Robertson

Juliet Robertson, Creative Star Learning Company.

Juliet details the importance of the outdoor learning environment for children and she gives insights into some possible ways of introducing more outdoor access as well as reflecting on the value of it with reference to active learning.

Watch the full-length presentation.

Download the presentation file:

PDF file: Active Learning Outdoors in the Early Years (2.8 MB)