Do we really expect five-year-olds to sit at desks? I want a school that understands play is learning | Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett

The GuardianWednesday, October 29, 2025 at 8:00:37 AM
Do we really expect five-year-olds to sit at desks? I want a school that understands play is learning | Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett
Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett highlights the importance of play in early childhood education, arguing that the current rigid classroom structure in England fails to cater to young children's innate learning needs. Ruth Lue-Quee, a former deputy headteacher, emphasizes that childhood should not be confined to traditional schooling, advocating for a system that embraces play as a fundamental aspect of learning. This perspective is crucial as it challenges outdated educational practices and calls for a more nurturing approach that recognizes the value of play in fostering creativity and development in young learners.
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