Play is at the heart of a child’s development, shaping their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. For nannies working with children aged 0-5, creating a structured yet flexible weekly plan ensures a rich variety of play experiences tailored to developmental needs.
The Six Stages of Play
Understanding the six stages of play helps nannies support a child’s growth at each level:
- Unoccupied Play (0-3 months) – Random movements with no clear purpose, but crucial for sensory exploration.
- Solitary Play (0-2 years) – Playing alone, focusing on individual exploration.
- Onlooker Play (2 years+) – Watching others play but not actively joining in.
- Parallel Play (2-3 years) – Playing alongside but not directly engaging with peers.
- Associative Play (3-4 years) – Beginning to interact, sharing materials, but with little structured cooperation.
- Cooperative Play (4+ years) – Fully engaging with others in play, involving teamwork and role-play.
Types of Play Approaches
Different play styles cater to various aspects of development:
- Physical Play: Active movement that develops gross motor skills (e.g., climbing, running, and dancing).
- Imaginative & Role Play: Enhancing creativity through pretend play (e.g., dressing up, playing shop or house).
- Sensory & Small Play: Engaging the senses with tactile materials like sand, water, playdough, and small-world play.
- Transient Art & Loose Parts Play: Open-ended exploration using everyday objects to spark creativity.
- Social Play: Developing interaction skills through playdates and group activities.
- Quiet Play: 1:1 activities like reading, puzzles, memory games, and fine motor tasks.
- Outdoor Exploration: Engaging with nature through gardening, mud kitchens, or collecting leaves.
Structuring a Balanced Week of Play
A well-planned week provides opportunities for each type of play while maintaining flexibility. Below is a sample weekly plan:
Monday:
- Morning: Structured class (music, dance, or baby yoga)
- Afternoon: Imaginative play at home with dress-up or small-world figures
Tuesday:
- Morning: Outdoor exploration in the garden with a mud kitchen, sand, and water play
- Afternoon: Quiet time with reading and fine motor activities like threading or puzzles
Wednesday:
- Morning: Playgroup or social playdate
- Afternoon: Sensory play with playdough, water beads, or rice bins
Thursday:
- Morning: Visit to the playground for physical play
- Afternoon: Transient art and loose parts play using nature finds
Friday:
- Morning: Structured activity like a toddler gym or swimming class
- Afternoon: Role-play and storytelling, acting out a favorite book
Saturday & Sunday (if applicable):
- A mix of free play, family time, and spontaneous outdoor exploration
Balancing Structured and Free Play
While structured classes and playgroups offer valuable social experiences, it’s essential to balance these with child-led free play. Playgrounds promote physical development, while home-based activities like loose parts and sensory play encourage creativity. Ensuring a mix of social interaction, independent play, and outdoor exploration creates a well-rounded experience for young children.
Final Thoughts
A thoughtful play plan nurtures children’s development while keeping activities engaging and varied. By incorporating a balance of physical, imaginative, social, and quiet play, nannies can create a stimulating yet flexible routine that supports each child’s growth and curiosity.
By embracing the power of play, nannies not only foster essential developmental skills but also create meaningful, joyful experiences that children will carry with them for life.
We have more information on the subject of play in our members area, including Schematic Play, Play-Based Learning, and Sensory Play. We also have a new Pinterest Board full of ideas here: https://uk.pinterest.com/britishnannyassociation/