Children have valuable perspectives on their lives, their play and the communities they live in. To help inform the WA Play Strategy, we want to hear directly from children about what play means to them, what they enjoy, and what helps or gets in the way of their play.
Toolkit to support children
A toolkit has been developed to assist adults in helping children share their views about play.
This toolkit supports parents, carers, educators and other trusted adults to listen to children in ways that are ethical, authentic and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The aim is to hear children's ideas and experiences in their own words, actions, drawings and other forms of expression.
The toolkit can be used in homes, early childhood settings, schools and other community settings that are part of children's everyday lives.
Sharing the child's views on play
Follow the 7 easy steps to help children share their views about play.
Once the child has finished sharing their views with you, upload their responses through the online form.
Resources
- Children’s Toolkit. Every Voice Counts: Asking children about play in WA - A guide for trusted adults supporting children’s participation
- Drawing template (optional)
- Template for collecting parent or guardian consent (for use by school, education and community settings)
Children's Toolkit
Show moreEvery Voice Counts: Asking children about play in WA - A guide for trusted adults supporting children’s participation.
7 easy steps to get started
Show moreWe encourage you to read the full Children's Toolkit for best practice guidance on supporting children's participation. If you're looking for a quick start, follow the 7 easy steps below or download the poster for an easy-to-use summary.
- Get ready to listen
Spend a few minutes with the child in a place where they feel safe, relaxed and comfortable.
Pick an activity the child enjoys doing with you. It can be as short as 5 minutes or as long as needed.
Drawing together, talking in the sandpit, going for a walk, or sharing a play experience can all provide meaningful opportunities to hear children’s views.
- Check the child wants to take part
Explain that you would like to learn about their experiences of play by asking questions like:
- “I’d like to learn what play is like for you”
- “Can I write down some of the things you tell me?”
- “Is it ok if I share your ideas with other people?”
Only continue if the child says or shows they are willing. Explain they can stop at any time and won’t get in trouble.
- Listen in and start the conversation
Start by asking the child to tell you what they know about play.
Then follow the child’s lead.
Older children can be invited to draw what they know about play. Younger children may prefer to ‘show’ you or share what they know in other ways.
- Keep the conversation alive
Ask questions like:
- “What do you usually play?”
- “When do you usually play?”
- “Where do you usually play?”
- “Who do you usually play with?”
- “What would make play better for you?”
It’s ok to simplify the language you use, point to things and your own words to make sure the child understands what you are asking.
Listen: Be patient, avoid ‘teaching’, and take notice of their response. Try not to suggest answers
Invest: Acknowledge their responses and show you are interested and curious about their views.
Verify: Check that you understand what they mean. Ask, “Do you mean….Do I have that right?”
Explore: Find out more
- Make notes
Make notes about what the child says using their exact words if you can. Note any significant comments the child makes about their play.
- Take a photo
If the child has drawn, made or played with something, ask them if you can take a photo. Proceed only with the child’s permission. Photographs must not identify the child.
- Share their views
Complete the online form to share what the child told you about play. All submissions will be included in the consultation, but they must not identify any child. Please check that names, faces and other identifying details have been removed before uploading.
Community settings, early childhood education and care (ECEC), schools or out of school hours care (OSHC)
Show moreYou can use the Children's Toolkit to support children in community settings, early childhood education and care (ECEC), schools or out of school hours care (OSHC) to share their views about play. If you are planning to listen to children in your community setting or workplace, you might need to access the appropriate consent processes for your setting. Click here for a template you can edit at your workplace to collect parent or guardian consent.
