Using play pedagogy in early years science education

Highlighting the importance of STEM education in early childhood through play-based learning: A Literature Review

“…To throw more light on the information, there are different terminologies used according to different researchers and are enacted as free or guided play. For instance, Johnston's (2015) play types underpin the principles of Rousseau, Piaget, and Vygotsky for effective science teaching and learning with young children into different play types such as dramatic and exploratory play. Johnston's (2015) comprehensive description of different types of play and its connection with the development of scientific understanding in young children provide guidelines for early childhood professionals to implement STEM practices.…”

“…For instance, Johnston's (2015) play types underpin the principles of Rousseau, Piaget, and Vygotsky for effective science teaching and learning with young children into different play types such as dramatic and exploratory play. Johnston's (2015) comprehensive description of different types of play and its connection with the development of scientific understanding in young children provide guidelines for early childhood professionals to implement STEM practices. Out of different types of play, exploratory play is found often to be associated with scientific and cognitive development, as children explored the world around them with the support of educators (Johnston, 2015).…”

“…Johnston's (2015) comprehensive description of different types of play and its connection with the development of scientific understanding in young children provide guidelines for early childhood professionals to implement STEM practices. Out of different types of play, exploratory play is found often to be associated with scientific and cognitive development, as children explored the world around them with the support of educators (Johnston, 2015). For example, Johnston (2015) describes a case study of guided exploratory play where four-year-old children tested balloons by filling them with air, water, and ice to promote understanding of the concept of forces.…”

“…Out of different types of play, exploratory play is found often to be associated with scientific and cognitive development, as children explored the world around them with the support of educators (Johnston, 2015). For example, Johnston (2015) describes a case study of guided exploratory play where four-year-old children tested balloons by filling them with air, water, and ice to promote understanding of the concept of forces.…”

“…Although there are different types of play such as free or guided play the evidence supports that learning happens through both (Zosh et al, 2017). However, structured play with appropriate resources for children to explore objects and phenomena is found to result in more meaningful learning experiences (Johnston, 2015). For instance, a study conducted during a STEM summer camp for ten four-yearold participants with various activities such as block play, balloon races, mixing liquids, and use of engineering applications on the iPad contributed significantly to children's understanding of STEM skills in the post-test result (Torres-Crespo et al, 2014).…”