RAINBOW PLAY

THE RAINBOW PLAY APPROACH

A framework for holistic early childhood development where Play is a fundamental element in all areas of learning, wellbeing and development.

Specifically developed by Learn To Play, our Mamapreneurs in each community receive training on the Rainbow Play Approach as a toolkit for establishing informal playgroups for children under the age of 6.

It is currently also being applied at two private Nursery Schools in Botswana as their school-wide curriculum, a Parenting and Play programme, and at paediatric oncology ward. The Rainbow Play approach has been presented to delegates at the AfECN Conference in Nairobi in October 2018, and will be shared at the World Forum for Early Care and Education in Macao, April 2019. We have also been invited to present our unique framework at the prestigious Africa Play Conference.

The Rainbow Play Approach provides young children, their caregivers & educators as well as curriculum developers and policy makers, with a methodology that will allow them to thrive and fulfill their potential, whatever their circumstance, context or community in both formal and informal settings.

GOALS OF THE RAINBOW PLAY APPROACH

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Scaffold key areas for development in Early Childhood Education – gross motor skills; fine motor skills; social & emotional development; creativity & imagination; language, literacy and communication; and numeracy, cognitive & logical reasoning skills.

IDENTITY & BELONGING

Encourage a strong sense of identity and belonging to their own communities and environment, as well as the world around them through culturally sustainable play.

RESILIENCE & HAPPINESS

Incorporate resilience and happiness in our curriculum so that children develop the coping mechanisms required to self-regulate and can be in control of their own emotions.

EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

Develop executive functioning by encouraging children to accomplish goal-oriented tasks through the skills of problem solving, decision making, flexibility and discerning judgment.

WHO CAN BENEFIT

The Rainbow Play Approach is particularly pertinent for those working with children who may have a background of poverty or adversity as it focuses so heavily on the power of play, as well for children with specific needs such as:

Community initiatives
Nursery school settings
Refugee camps
Informal settlements
Hospitals & rehab centres for children in long-term care
Children with special needs including genetic conditions & disorders
Children with attention and hyperactivity disorders
Children who have been affected by substances during pregnancy e.g. FAS, maternal drug addiction
Children with unfulfilled potential and toxic stress
Children with Infections that result in middle ear infections, loss of hearing etc.
Premature births
Poor health, nutrition & stunting
Severe poverty
Lack of care, neglect or abuse

QUALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SHOULD NOT BE A LUXURY

The Rainbow Play Approach aims to provide young children, their caregivers and educators with a methodology that will allow them to thrive and fulfill their potential.

USE THE RAINBOW PLAY APPROACH

You can download and use our open-source framework for free, but please note that it is copyrighted and trademarked. Referencing Learn To Play as your source is imperative.

We can offer trainings and workshops based on the Rainbow Play Approach for your organisation. Trainings can be done online via Live Zoom sessions alongside independent study, as well as in person consultations that are tailor-made to your needs.