Using play pedagogy in early years science education

Play is an important developmental tool, rather than just an informal aspect of childhood. While children’s actions are purposeful activities that help them make sense of their world (Ebbeck & Waniganayake, 2010), they are often misconstrued as messing about without purpose. This chapter addresses the theoretical aspects of play and describes how play supports child development. It discusses play in both the pre-school and school setting and play pedagogies to support science education