Free Play (Reinforcement)
Grades 3-5
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Session Name
Free and Bold
Age Group
Ages 9-11
Session Intention
Children return to free play with greater independence and use materials in more creative and self-directed ways.
Materials Needed
Free Play Kit
Classroom Arrangement
1. This session can happen in an open space like a hall or ground in the school
2. Place materials in loose clusters in any open space. Children can rearrange them.
3. No assigned stations. Groups of 4-6 form naturally around shared interests.
4. Keep an aisle patch clear for active materials.
1/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Opening Procedure (5-7 minutes)
PEP-UP: Hula Hoop Pass (3 min)
1. The team holds hands in a line.
2. They take the hula hoop from one end to the other through the line without letting their held hands go.
3. Do one practice round and then time the children.
FREE PLAY NORMS (1 min)
1. Share the games.
2. Wait for your turn.
3. Be kind to each other.
4. Do not break the materials.
5. Pack everything properly when done.
6. Add: These rules stay the same even when no teacher or facilitator is watching.
More Pep-up Options
2/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Play Time (~25-28 minutes)
START PLAY:
1. Children organise and begin without direction or instructions.
DURING PLAY:
1. Observe children's play without directing it.
2. Allow children to make their own choices and create their own games.
3. If play energy is low, encourage children to combine different materials in a new way.
4. Avoid introducing structured activities or leading the play.
STEP IN WHEN NEEDED:
1. If a child is repeatedly left out, help them find a way to join a group.
2. Intervene only when needed for inclusion or safety.
3. If children are unable to resolve a conflict, encourage them to discuss possible solutions and agree on one together.
What You May Notice
1. Independent play should feel more natural and confident than the first session.
2. Children may start inventing their own games within free play. That is a great sign.
3. Notice who leads, who creates, who supports. This tells you a lot.
3/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Closing (~3-5 minutes)
1. Give children a two-minute warning before the end of play.
2. Ask children to share the most creative thing they saw someone do during play.
3. Ask what they would like to try during the next free play session and invite 2-3 children to share.
4. Ask the children to help with packing up all the materials.
Try Next Time
1. Run a session with only one type of material. Challenge children to use it in 3 different ways. Example: How many ways can you play with balls.
2. Let children run a free play session for a younger class.
3. Ask children to write or draw what they would add to the free play kit.