Invitation to play
What does "invitation to play" mean?
Have you ever heard of the term "invitation to play"?
An "invitation to play" is literally an invitation to children to play with certain toys or materials. You set up toys in an inviting way, so that children want to play with them as soon as they see them. This way of playing has its origins in Walforf, Reggio and Montessori education.
The advantages
Setting up an "invitation to play" offers several benefits for children.
-
Get into the game faster and easier
When an "invitation to play" is ready, children are immediately invited to participate in the game. The attractiveness and arrangement of the materials attract their attention and arouse their curiosity, making them more likely to get involved in the game. They no longer have to think about where to start or what materials to use. This reduces any barriers and indecisiveness, allowing children to start playing more quickly and easily. -
Encourages independence
An "invitation to play" gives children the freedom and confidence to play independently. By preparing the materials and creating an attractive play environment, children are encouraged to explore their own ideas and shape their own play. -
Promotes imagination and creativity
Preparing specific materials and setups in an "invitation to play" can stimulate children's imagination and creativity. It challenges them to think of new ways to play with the materials, create characters, invent stories and build their own game worlds. -
Supports focus and concentration
By providing a specific play setup, an "invitation to play" helps children focus on a particular game or aspect of learning. It minimizes distractions and creates an environment conducive to deeper engagement and focus. -
Encourages research and discovery
Setting up an inviting play setup encourages children to explore, discover and experiment. They can discover new properties of materials, solve problems and increase their knowledge and understanding through hands-on play.
So if your child gets stuck playing and cannot find his/her own play, then setting up an "invitation to play" is the solution.
