Free Play (Reinforcement)
Pre-primary
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Session Name
Free Play Again!
Age Group
Ages 3-5
Session Intention
Children revisit free play with more confidence and explore materials they already know.
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. Open the free play kit and place materials in 2-3 loose clusters in any open floor space or along a bench.
2. No fixed stations - children gather where the materials are.
3. Children play individually or drift into small clusters of 4-6 on their own.
1/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Opening Procedure (5-7 minutes)
PEP-UP: Who Changed? (2-3 min)
1. One child closes their eyes; another changes one small thing about themselves.
2. The first child spots the change.
3. Play 3-4 rounds or pair up children and get the whole class to do this.
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. Remind children that they have used these materials before.
2. Invite children to choose what they would like to play with.
3. Allow children to move freely between activities and play areas.
DURING PLAY:
1. Walk around and watch. Do not interrupt children who are playing.
2. If a child looks lost, sit next to them and pick up an object. Look curious. They will usually join in.
3. If two children want the same thing, name what you see - You both want this. What can you do?
STEP IN WHEN NEEDED:
1. If a child is not playing with others, help them find a way to join a group without forcing participation.
2. If materials are being used unsafely, remind children to take care of the materials so everyone can use them.
3. If play slows down, encourage children to combine different materials or try a new idea.
What You May Notice
1. Children should show more confidence than in the first free play session.
2. Some will go straight to their favourite materials from before. That is great.
3. Children may have developed their own ways to use materials. Note and celebrate these.
3/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Closing (~3-5 minutes)
1. Give children a two-minute warning before the end of play.
2. Gather the children and ask what they played with.
3. Invite 2-3 children to share.
4. Ask children to pack up materials together and help return everything to its place.
Try Next Time
1. Ask children to show their favourite thing to a partner.
2. Reduce materials further - more depth with fewer choices.