Abstract
Play is one of the most important parts of early childhood education in Australia.
We know children learn about the world through play and it helps them build creativity and independence.
There is also broad agreement among early childhood educators and policymakers about the importance of play from birth to five years.
But once children start school, there is less certainty. Despite growing research about the importance of play in primary school, play is not often used for learning in these years.
Our new study with Australian primary teachers highlights significant confusion about the role of play in their schools.
We know children learn about the world through play and it helps them build creativity and independence.
There is also broad agreement among early childhood educators and policymakers about the importance of play from birth to five years.
But once children start school, there is less certainty. Despite growing research about the importance of play in primary school, play is not often used for learning in these years.
Our new study with Australian primary teachers highlights significant confusion about the role of play in their schools.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 1-4 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Specialist publication | The Conversation |
| Publication status | Published - 21 Jul 2025 |
