Study sheet for early years educator training · Play
Early years educator training flashcard: Features of play
Play is symbolic and joyful and takes place in a safe, relaxed space. Repetition, variation and make-believe are part of it.
Play includes imagination, repetition, variation and a safe space without pressure.
Key professional terms
unvollständige Funktionalität
Giving things a new meaning in play
So-tun-als-ob
Repeating and changing
positive Aktivierung und Fokussierung
Space without performance pressure
Wiederholung und Variation
Handlungen werden wiederholt, verändert und exploriert
entspanntes Feld
Ein geschützter Rahmen ohne unnötigen Leistungsdruck ermöglicht Erprobung
Example from early years practice
A cardboard box first becomes a car and then a house.
Memory sentence
„Play needs freedom, imagination and a relaxed space.“
Typical exam question
What are the features of genuine play?
It is voluntary, intrinsic, process-oriented, symbolic, joyful and protected.
Transfer question and answer
Is every enjoyable activity automatically play?
No. Voluntary participation, self-direction and the role of the process must also be considered.
Last professionally reviewed: 4 September 2026