Morning play as the key start to the kindergarten day

Morning play at kindergarten is not just waiting for the programme to begin. For children, it represents the key start to the day that shapes how everything unfolds. During these moments, the child adapts to the new environment, learns to say goodbye to their parent and gradually integrates into the group. For teachers too, this time is very important – they observe the child's current mood, their needs, whether they feel safe, and they watch interactions with other children. Morning play is therefore not merely a transition phase but a valuable moment in which the child prepares for the entire school day.

Free play holds great significance – it is just as important for the child as, if not more important than, structured guided activities. It gives children the space to choose for themselves who they want to play with, what they want to do and how long they stay with a given activity. This freedom of choice builds independence, teaches cooperation, problem-solving and communication, while also developing creativity and imagination. Through free play, a child can also process their own experiences, emotions and memories from home or the previous day, which supports their psychological well-being.