A game of pirates

A group of four/five year olds play a game of pirates in the school garden. See how this pretend play develops imagination and self-regulation skills.

Good for looking at

• Pretend play
• Imagination
• Socialising
• Communication
• Self-regulation

A group of four/five year olds are playing a game of pirates in the school garden.

Notice

• What cues can you see that show what the children are interested in during their play? (Look out for non-verbal and body language as well as spoken language)
• How are the children learning? Which areas of development, engagement and characteristics of learning can you observe?
• Can you see evidence of any aspects of self-regulation?
• How does the environment support the children’s learning?

Reflect

What are your thoughts about:

• The areas of learning and development that were covered through this play activity?
• The self-regulation shown by the children (particularly the girl wearing the checked dress)
• The importance of the environment and the materials for supporting the play?

Respond

What would you do to:

• Further support the children’s self-regulation? Are there any games you can think of that can help this?
• Use play to support the children’s social development?
• Encourage the children to use their pretend play ideas to develop stories and narratives?

What next:

• What could you do to encourage this kind of self-regulated behaviour in your setting?
• Do you give enough time for older children to develop complex stories in their play?