ABSTRACT
The pedagogy of play supports all pedagogical approaches of the early years educator, not just because evidence sharply indicates that it is a key vehicle for learning throughout the early years, but also because it is undeniably the natural language of the child. Play has a long history in Early years education and care as a dominate feature of Western European pedagogy. It begins with understanding that children learn most naturally from play. F. Frobel’s legacy impacts today on European Western ideologies and features of pedagogy regarding play as a primary mode of learning for children. Play in the Early Years Foundation Stage is regarded as essential for children’s development and learning through which they build their confidence, think about problems, and relate to others. Research evidence highlights that play performs a significant role in the development of the brain, particularly in the early years.
