The Importance of Open-Ended Play

Open ended play relies on four characteristics:

1. It is child-led

2. There are no designated rules

3. There are no directions

4. There are no instructions

For example, say you have a metal pot. A child may choose to scoop with it, wear it as a hat, use it as a guitar and so much more. The possibilities are endless, and that is exactly the point.

When children are able to engage in open ended play, the benefits are astronomical. Not only does it allow children to use their imagination, but it boots creativity, it builds problem solving skills, fosters language and physical development, the list goes on and on.

At Nestling House, when you visit our indoor play spaces, you will see an abundance of open ended toys, like different size and shape blocks. Similarly with our outdoor play spaces, you will see pot/pans, branches, logs, etc. It it one of our staff’s favorite things to see how the children’s imaginations guide their play through the usage of open-ended toys.