Play is a main medium where teachers can learn about the children. It provides an opportunity for teachers to observe and assess children systematically and frequently. Depending on how much time teachers have, they could observe by taking detailed notes as events are unfolding or by writing short summaries. Teachers can also collect samples or take pictures of children’s work to save in a portfolio.

The assessment through play is developmental and incremental in nature. Children achieve differently depending on the time, activity, and context. Play activities mirror children’s interactions with material, handling of new instructions, engagement with peers, problem solving abilities, implementation techniques, and task closure. Agency and creativity are also transparent through play.

For further reading, refer to:

Ebbeck, M. (2016). Assessing children’s learning through play. In M. Ebbeck & M. Waniganayake (Eds.), Play in early childhood education: Learning in diverse contexts (2nd ed., pp. 42-59). Victoria, Australia: Oxford University Press.

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