# 03 · Welcome bridge

**Draft:** Local Queensland early childhood educator review pending.

**Rights:** © NeuroForgeIO Pty Ltd 2026. CC BY 4.0 — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (original work; note changes if adapted).

**About 15–20 minutes.** **Planning link:** QKLG 2024 Connectedness; EYLF
V2.0 Outcome 2. This is a pretend-play opening for joining, inviting and
listening. [Framework sources](../SOURCE_NOTES.md).

**Gather:** Two books or boxes, one firm piece of cardboard and two large toys.
Place the cardboard between the supports at floor or table height. An adult
checks that the bridge is stable and not for a child's weight.

**Invite:** “These two toys want to get across. Who might use the bridge
first?” Let the child redesign it, add another path or decide that a toy
would rather stay where it is. If another child is present, invite them to
choose a role rather than assigning one.

**Say:** “How could this toy ask to join?” “What if the other toy says ‘not
yet’?” “Can we find a way both toys are happy with?” Offer words if useful:
“Can I have a turn when you're done?” and “Yes, after me.”

**Notice, without scoring:** How did the child respond to another idea or
negotiate turns? Did the bridge design change when a toy got stuck? Note the
actual action or words; don't infer a personality trait from one play moment.

**Change the route:** Boats may need a port; animals a tunnel; people a ramp.
Use one toy and adult role-play if group play is tiring. Children can move
pieces, point, direct an adult, sign or use AAC. Invite the family's own ways
of asking politely rather than insisting on one English phrase. Put the
bridge at accessible seated height when useful.

**Screen:** None needed. Optional: take a private before/after photo of the
bridge to discuss what changed; the play itself stays with real objects.