Is this about specific toys or resources to buy?

No, the focus is on understanding play itself rather than products. Most of the ideas shared use materials already found at home or in a setting.

My child only wants to play the same game over and over — is that a problem?

Repetition in play is a normal and valuable part of learning, and this is explained during the session. You will learn how to recognise when repeated play is purposeful and how to gently extend it when a child is ready.

Will this help with planning play in a childcare setting?

Yes, educators leave with practical ideas for observing and extending play that link directly to Aistear and Síolta principles already used in planning and practice.

What age range does this workshop suit?

The content covers play across the early years, from infants through to early primary school age, with adaptable examples for different stages.

Is this a hands-on workshop?

The session includes practical examples and discussion rather than physical play activities, so it suits both online and in-person formats.

For parents and educators

Supporting Children Through Play

Play is how young children learn, connect, and process the world around them, yet it is often undervalued by busy adults. This workshop unpacks the real developmental purpose behind everyday play, from block towers to pretend games, and shows how adults can support it without taking it over. You will leave with practical ways to make the most of playtime at home or in a setting, plus a take-home booklet.

Led by Amy Byrne — BA (Hons) Level 8 in Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying a Level 9 postgraduate in play therapy, Children First trained and a Mandated Person. One hour, with a take-home booklet and a dated certificate of attendance.

See dates & book Request this as a private session

Who this is for

Suitable for parents wanting to understand what is really happening during their child's play, and for early years educators planning and supporting play-based learning.

What we cover in the hour

The developmental purpose of different types of play, from sensory to pretend play.
How play supports learning, relationships, and emotional regulation together.
The adult's role in play: when to join in and when to step back.
Simple ways to extend a child's play without directing it.
Reading the signs of a child who is deeply engaged versus disengaged in play.
Making the most of everyday materials and moments for rich play.

What you'll leave with

A clearer understanding of why play matters developmentally.
Confidence to support play without over-directing it.
Simple prompts to extend a child's play meaningfully.
Ideas for turning everyday moments into play opportunities.
A take-home booklet with play prompts by age and stage.

Inside the booklet

The booklet contains age-and-stage play prompts, observation tips, and ideas for extending play using everyday household or classroom items.

This workshop draws on Aistear's Exploring and Thinking theme and Síolta's Standard on Play as central to early learning.

How it can be delivered

Delivery formats and prices for Supporting Children Through Play
Format	Price
Public ticket — live onlineOne hour, small group, booklet emailed	€20 per person
Public ticket — in personOne hour in a venue near you, booklet in hand	€35 per person
Private 1:1 with Amy30 minutes €25 · full hour €50 (3 for €135)	from €25
Private group — onlineParent evening or staff session, minimum 5	€35 per person
Private group — in personYour setting or venue, minimum 6	€45 per person

No VAT and no booking fees. An itemised receipt is emailed instantly, and invoices are available before you book. Running this across a whole setting? Setting packages start at €399.

Common questions

Is this about specific toys or resources to buy?: No, the focus is on understanding play itself rather than products. Most of the ideas shared use materials already found at home or in a setting.
My child only wants to play the same game over and over — is that a problem?: Repetition in play is a normal and valuable part of learning, and this is explained during the session. You will learn how to recognise when repeated play is purposeful and how to gently extend it when a child is ready.
Will this help with planning play in a childcare setting?: Yes, educators leave with practical ideas for observing and extending play that link directly to Aistear and Síolta principles already used in planning and practice.
What age range does this workshop suit?: The content covers play across the early years, from infants through to early primary school age, with adaptable examples for different stages.
Is this a hands-on workshop?: The session includes practical examples and discussion rather than physical play activities, so it suits both online and in-person formats.

Related workshops

More in this theme: Schemas in play · All workshop themes · Upcoming dates

Available live online across Ireland, and in person in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Louth, Cork and other counties.

Trusted early years resources

Every workshop is grounded in Irish early years frameworks and national guidance.

Workshop themes · Book a date · Counties we serve · Play & learning blog · FAQ · About Amy