At Folkestone Street Infant & Child Care, we believe that nurturing curiosity in our tamariki is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. Children are naturally inquisitive, eager to discover the wonders around them. By embracing open-ended play, we create an environment where creativity flourishes, imaginations grow, and curiosity becomes the foundation for lifelong learning.
What is Open-Ended Play?
Open-ended play involves activities without predetermined outcomes, where children have the freedom to explore, experiment, and direct their own experiences. Unlike structured activities, there’s no “right” or “wrong” way for tamariki to engage. This type of play encourages children to think critically, make their own decisions, and explore ideas independently and collaboratively.
According to early childhood education specialist Dr. Peter Gray, open-ended play is fundamental for developing cognitive flexibility, problem-solving skills, and creative thinking—core capabilities necessary for future learning and development (Gray, 2013).
Encouraging Natural Curiosity at Folkestone Street
At our centre, you’ll notice that our spaces, resources, and routines are carefully designed to encourage exploration. The natural outdoor spaces at Folkestone Street provide a vibrant backdrop for discovery and creativity. Our backyard, nestled within native bush, offers stimulating opportunities such as nature walks, gardening, sandpit adventures, and imaginative outdoor play.
We intentionally select materials that spark imagination—blocks, loose parts, fabrics, natural objects, and art materials—all designed to ignite a child’s innate curiosity and wonder.
The Benefits of Open-Ended Play
Open-ended play goes beyond mere entertainment; it’s an integral part of how children learn and grow. Through these exploratory experiences, tamariki learn essential skills such as:
Creativity and imagination: Inventing scenarios, building stories, and exploring roles.
Critical thinking: Learning to solve problems, experiment, and innovate.
Social skills: Collaborating, negotiating, and developing empathy through shared play.
Emotional resilience: Managing feelings, overcoming challenges, and building confidence through self-directed experiences.
Research by the American Academy of Pediatrics (2018) highlights that child-driven play supports emotional health, enhances self-regulation, and builds stronger cognitive and social skills that last throughout life.
How We Support Open-Ended Play at Home
We love partnering with whānau to nurture curiosity beyond the centre. Here are some practical suggestions you can try at home:
Provide versatile materials: Simple items like wooden blocks, natural elements, or household objects can stimulate creative play.
Encourage exploration: Allow your child to follow their interests, ask questions, and experiment freely without immediate adult intervention.
Create unstructured time: Make room in your routine for uninterrupted, child-led play, giving tamariki space to explore their own ideas and creativity.
The Folkestone Street Difference
At Folkestone Street Infant & Child Care, our commitment to open-ended play helps us foster confident, capable, and creative young learners. We believe curiosity isn’t something to teach—it’s something to encourage, nurture, and celebrate.
Through meaningful play, your child’s natural curiosity is given the freedom it deserves, supporting their growth into lifelong learners with endless potential.
