Aimed at teachers of Years 0 to 3, this workshop introduces the fundamentals of the use of play within the primary school setting.

Aimed at teachers of Years 4 to 6, we examine how inquiry models integrate with play-based pedagogy to further support children’s development.

This course allows educators in geographically isolated areas in New Zealand and overseas with the opportunity to do our foundation workshop online and in a self-paced manner.

• Must be primary-school based teacher or school leader
• Note this course is NOT suitable for ECE based teachers

This practical workshop examines the integration of the curriculum within play-based learning and how to provoke rich play opportunities.

• Must have completed Level 1
• OR have been working in a play-based classroom setting for at least 1 year
• OR be attending with a colleague from the same school who has completed Level 1

Learn how to intentionally teach through play while meeting curriculum and assessment demands in a play-based classroom.

• Must have completed Level 1 and 2
• OR have been working in a play-based classroom setting for a minimum of 18 months
• OR be attending with a colleague from the same school who has completed Level 2
• OR be ECE trained and working in a play-based early years setting

This workshop is for experienced teachers in play who want the opportunity to further develop their ideas and skills.

• Must have completed Levels 1 – 3
• AND have been working in a play-based classroom setting for a minimum of 2 years
• AND implementing a ‘full-day most days’ play timetable where practical in the classroom setting

This training series will support school leadership to critically evaluate teaching practices observed in their schools and determine both the strengths and needs of their teachers to ensure their play-based practices are reflective of what evidence suggests works best in the school environment.

For teachers of Years 0 to 3, this workshop looks at how to integrate literacy and effective assessment within a play environment.

This workshop will be important for both ECE and Junior School teachers, by exploring the following:

• Important factors for successful transitioning from ECE to School – the research and evidence
• The links between Te Whāriki and the New Zealand School Curriculum
• “Ready Schools” – exploring how schools can be ready for New Entrants
• Growing and fostering students’ intrinsic motivation to learn
• Innovative spaces for learning – the Third Teacher

This workshop is designed for schools who understand the importance of having children play both inside the classroom, but who may need support to extend play into the outdoor environment. Content includes:

• Practical ways to make the most of your outdoor areas
• Dealing with the challenges of children playing outside – risk assessment/ health and safety compliance
• The importance of secret places
• Creating conditions that link with the NZ curriculum – key competencies and learning areas.
• How to plan for outside play.
• What does the teacher do when children are playing outside?

Play invitations are an important and intentional part of supporting students to extend on their ideas and interests while they play. Teachers sometimes find it difficult to strike a balance between knowing what an invitation to play is and when they are ‘taking over’ children’s play ideas. This workshop expands on how to enable opportunities for students to connect with specific curriculum areas while engaged in child-directed play.

Content includes:

• Defining play invitations
• Invitations versus provocations
• Sharing examples of play invitations
• Types of play invitations
• Planning your own invitation

This workshop is suitable for ECE and primary-based teachers of all levels who are beginning or well-established in their implementation of play practices.