Below is an example of how, Small world play helps, and develops children’s learning.
The game involves using their imagination, to roleplay with the use of toys and objects which may be used to represent something else. Example: a blue mat may represent a swimming pool, a block of bricks may represent a work place or a house.
Children that use their imagination and role play, expand their creativity. They are also imitating what they have seen and experienced and using this to experiment with other similar roles.
Small world play helps children learn to work collaboratively, taking turns, share with others, and co-operate.
Small world teaches children to manipulate objects which develops self expression skills. This game teaches children to make links between their play world and their local environment. Small world play helps children understand the concept of space, eg, putting the cars in the car garage, plates in the kitchen table, beds in the hospital. Roleplay is a great way to allow children to express their feelings and ideas.
There are many aspects of the 7 areas of development in The EYFS that have been achieved just by playing with small world models. Areas such as, physical development, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Understanding the world, and Mathematics.