Free Play (Reinforcement)
Grades 1-2
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Session Name
Play Your Way
Age Group
Ages 6-8
Session Intention
Children revisit free play with more ownership, using materials they know and trying new combinations.
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 the kit materials in 2-3 loose clusters in available floor or bench space.
3. No fixed stations. Children choose where to go and may form clusters of 4-6.
4. Keep one open area clear for any physical play materials.
1/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Opening Procedure (5-7 minutes)
PEP-UP: Zip Zap Zop (3 min)
1. Children stand at their desks
2. Pick one child to point to someone and say ZIP.
3. That child points to someone else and says ZAP.
4. That child points to someone else and says ZOP.
5. Do this quickly. Anyone who hesitates or makes the wrong move sits for 1 round. Play 2-3 rounds.
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. Get the children to explore, pick materials they like and start playing.
DURING PLAY:
1. Observe how children are playing and interacting with others.
2. Notice which children are playing alone and which are playing in groups.
3. If play energy is low, encourage children to try combining different materials or exploring a new idea.
4. Allow children to lead their own play and avoid introducing structured activities.lay.
STEP IN WHEN NEEDED:
1. If a child is unsure what to do, encourage them to choose an activity or material that interests them.
2. If materials are being used unsafely, remind children to take care of the materials so everyone can use them.
3. If play becomes rough, step in calmly and remind children to use gentle hands and play safely.
What You May Notice
1. Children should show more initiative than in the first free play session.
2. Some may recreate games from other sessions using free play materials. That shows learning.
3. Creative combinations of materials are a sign of growing confidence.
3/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Closing (~3-5 minutes)
1. Give children a two-minute warning and begin packing up.
2. Ask children if they played any new games.
3. Ask whether they tried anything new and invite 2-3 children to share.
4. Discuss any suggestions children have for improving the free play rules.
Try Next Time
1. Run the session with fewer materials to encourage deeper engagement.
2. Let children propose what to bring next time.
3. Ask children to teach a new player how to use their favourite material.
4. Run one session where there are zero adult prompts at all.