Example: Rosie’s Walk PlayWorld

Using Rosie’s Walk as an example, educators can create a simple yet highly engaging PlayWorld that motivates children to step into the story and take on meaningful roles. As they help the characters and navigate the farm, children naturally draw on concepts that support their problem solving and understanding.

Create your own Rosie’s Walk PlayWorld

This example can be implemented tomorrow with minimal preparation.

1. Designing the play area

• The outdoor space becomes Rosie’s farm.
• A simple sign on the door (“Rosie’s Farm – Enter Here”) marks the entry to the playworld.
• The sandpit becomes the pond; a climbing frame becomes the henhouse; a patch of grass becomes the beehive.
• No props needed - imagination fills the rest.

2. Roles for children

Children choose from three simple roles:

• Rosies (hens who walk the farm and solve problems)
• Foxes (who try, playfully, to sneak around)
• Farm helpers (who map, observe, or warn Rosie of dangers)

These roles keep the play structured but free-flowing, and encourage empathy for characters. Teachers can join in with these groups or assume other roles to help move the story along and highlight learning moments.

3. The problem to solve

One simple challenge drives the play, for example:

• Rosie must complete her walk safely, but the fox is sneaking around. Children work together to protect Rosie, warn her of dangers, or guide her path.

4. Learning areas

The concepts that will be learned from solving the problem situation:

• Spatial relations. Children develop an understanding of spatial relations by physically acting out parts of the story.
• Social and emotional development. Playing different characters in each scenario allows the children to empathise with characters, collaborate with peers and manage emotions.

5. Follow-up activity - Maps

Back in the classroom, children draw maps of Rosie’s farm including:

• the henhouse
• the beehive
• the pond
• Rosie’s path

Mapping helps children express their ideas and understanding, and sequence events.

Taking the first steps

Choose a story like Rosie’s Walk, with drama and characters children can empathise with. The plot should create opportunities for authentic problems where children genuinely want to help.

Use what you already have. A door frame could become a magical portal. An old blanket, a flying rug. Children's imagination does most of the work when Playworlds are concerned.

To explore more examples or access planning templates, you can read the full free resource Why Play Works: Conceptual PlayWorlds Inspiring Learning, Imagination and Creativity in Education.