Wildflowers is evidence informed …

This child-centric programme is established from evidence and insights about human behaviour and research in developmental psychology that guide play and education practices.
cf. Vygotsky (1978), Piaget (1999), Gibson (1979), Skinner (1938).

Affordance Theory informs how play can support positive behaviours (Gibson, 1986), that assist inclusion with other children and positive learning strategies for the classroom (Armstrong, 2016).  

With a strengths-based lens, strategies from Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) will be used to develop social & emotional skills for autonomy and improved mental health outcomes .

WHAT is an ‘Intentional Play Agenda’ ?

An intentional play agenda is an individually, mapped programme within a positive, structured environment, which promotes social and emotional well-being and independence.

• 1. Empathy map / senses map to build trust - (says, does, feels, thinks)

Based on:  Interests, Strengths, Needs, Challenges, Emotions and Behaviours, sensitivity to cultural and trauma-informed backgrounds - storytelling

• 2. Doctor / teacher / parent / child input – curriculum, task analysis, goals child-led play-based programme, through learning and exploration

  • Universal Design for Learning - Burgstahler, 2009, Benton et al; 2014)

  • Co-design - (Koppen & Meinel, 2014; Sanders & Stappers, 2008)

  • Harvard School of Education, Project Zero –Visible thinking routines, #SeeThinkWonder

  • Nurture.org.uk (UK model) - decrease in exclusions by 84% due to improved behaviours (Kent, 2017)

• 3. Teach play interaction skills – broken down into steps through empathy, negotiation, acceptance, and capacity-building

HOW are behaviours improved ?

Skill development

  • Sensory awareness - emotional self-regulation

  • How to play – respectful communication, negotiation and turn-taking

  • Manage externalised physical behaviours, bullying

  • Self-regulation of anger and emotions, breathing techniques

  • Tolerance, resilience and acceptance of difference - teamwork

  • Develop and pursue independence and creative imaginings

  • Reward for desired behaviours, theory of operant conditioning - BF Skinner