Developing creativity skills through play in P2

Following on from the success of play led learning where the children in P1 led the learning and created an enabling environment, Angela Johnstone (Acting PT)was keen to replicate in Primary 2 particularly given the reduction in skills following the first extended period of remote learning in 2020 and the children's inability to play together.

Creativity skills baseline in November 2020 highlighted a lack of age-appropriate skills. Children displayed low tolerance for each other and their ability to give purposeful concentration was often fleeting. Protected time for daily play opportunities was planned although the play itself was child-led.

Initially, the play was directed and resources were limited. Over time the children have been able to access an increased variety of resources and the protected playtime has increased from 15 mins up to an hour. During this time we have been able to observe creativity skills being applied including initiative, discipline, persistence and resilience.
The impact on the rest of the school day is notable as the children appear more settled, motivated and better able to sustain concentration and engage in quality learning.