In order to structure 'free-play' opportunities in our pre-school, and allow children to make choices and promote independence, we operate a system of decision-making pegs.
When setting up the system we began by identifying suitable clip-art pictures to represent our 'free-play' activities, such as sand, water and role play.
We then determined the maximum number of children that could play safely and effectively in each activity at any one time: for example, only four children in the role play. Once we had decided on these numbers, we printed out the correct number of pictures on to cards for each activity, laminated them and attached them to coloured pegs.
We used a display board to make a decision-making board (an easel would also be suitable), to which we attached pictures corresponding to the pictures on the pegs, and hooks so that the pegs could be hung in groups.
We spent time showing the children how to choose pegs from the board to determine which activity to do and demonstrated how to return them to the board when they had finished.
We find that the system has many benefits. For example, it promotes counting skills, as children can look and see how many sand pegs are left.
It also encourages children to wait their turn if a peg is not available straight away. The system is effective in solving disputes, as the children understand that if they are not wearing a peg they should not be taking part.
We use this system in our pre-school with three- and four-year-olds. It works very effectively once we have shown the children how to use it and as long as the system is consistently applied. As a result of using the system, we have discovered that 'free-play' time is much more focused and purposeful, and children enjoy the security of the system.
We recommend that when training children to use the system you start with pegs for about three activities and gradually increase this. If on any particular day a 'free-play' activity is not available, simply remove the pegs from the board.
Akrotiri Pre-School is part of Akrotiri Primary School and Service Children's Education. It is based on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus and provides nursery education for children from forces families, following the UK Foundation Stage curriculum.
Allison Clark is the teacher in charge at Akrotiri Pre-School, RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus. She sent this idea to Jean Evans.
