From the perspective of being both a parent of 3 and a teacher, I know how hard it can be to trust in play, especially when the trend in schools worldwide seems to be to push worksheet lead academic learning earlier and earlier.
It’s true that tests of academic learning can be graded and tracked - it’s easier to see progress when it’s all written down whereas progress in a play-based scenario is more subjective and requires a lot of observation. Whilst you might not be able to change your child’s school or reform the education system, you can absolutely emphasise a play-based approach to learning at home.
The Benefits of Play-Based Learning
‘We are built to play and built by play’.
Dr Stuart Brown, National Institute of Play
Play-based learning offers many advantages for young children, fostering growth and development across multiple areas:
Cognitive Development
Enhances problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Encourages creativity and imagination
Develops early numeracy and literacy skills
Promotes learning through exploration and discovery
Physical Development
Improves fine and gross motor skills
Builds strength, balance, and coordination
Supports sensory integration
Encourages physical activity and healthy habits
Social-Emotional Development
Fosters communication and language skills
Teaches empathy, sharing, and cooperation
Builds self-confidence and self-regulation
Helps children understand emotions and express feelings
The Role of Play in Early Childhood Education
Children are not “empty vessels to be filled with knowledge” (as traditional pedagogical theory had it). They are “active builders of knowledge-little scientists who construct their own theories of the world.”
Jean Piaget
Despite its instinctive nature, play holds a crucial role in early childhood education. Play-based learning environments enable children to:
Explore the World
Develop Interpersonal Skills
Cultivate a Love for Learning
Experiment with Real-Life Situations
Discover Their Interests and Talents
Exploring the world through play-based learning:
Play-based learning plays a crucial role in helping children explore and understand the world around them. As they engage in various forms of play, they experiment with different materials, interact with their surroundings, and gain an appreciation for the natural world.
Through sensory exploration, imaginative play, and hands-on activities, children develop a strong connection to their environment and gain a deep understanding of the world in which they live. By fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity through play, we not only enrich our children’s learning experiences but also instil in them a lifelong love for discovering the wonders of the world around them.
How play develops interpersonal skills:
Playtime offers children countless opportunities to develop and refine their interpersonal skills. As they engage in play with their peers, they learn essential life skills, such as communication, cooperation, negotiation, and empathy.
Play helps children understand social cues, recognise different perspectives, and navigate their way through various social situations. These crucial abilities will continue to support their social growth and contribute to building positive relationships throughout their lives.
How play helps cultivate a love for learning:
When children engage in play, they naturally develop a love for learning. Play-based activities stimulate curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving, while creating an enjoyable learning experience. As children encounter new concepts and ideas through play, they’re motivated to ask questions and make connections, building a sound foundation for lifelong learning. By providing an environment that encourages play, we give children the chance to discover the joy of learning in a fun and engaging way.
How play helps children experiment with real-life scenarios:
“The way kids learn to make good decisions is by making decisions, not by following directions.”
― Alfie Kohn, Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason
One of the many benefits of play is that it allows children to experiment with real-life scenarios in a safe and controlled environment. Through role-playing and imaginative play, they can explore different roles, occupations, and situations, helping them to understand the world around them.
By trying out various scenarios, children develop problem-solving skills, learn to deal with challenges, and gain a deeper understanding of how things work in real life. This hands-on, experiential learning lays the foundation for their future success and prepares them to navigate the complexities of the world.
How play helps children discover their interests and talents:
‘Early childhood should be about what kind of person is this child going to go on to.’
Michael Leeman - educator early childhood - Pedagogy of Play 2019 Conference
Playtime offers a unique opportunity for children to discover their interests and talents. When children are free to explore various activities and experiences, they can identify what captures their imagination and excites them. As they engage in different types of play, they naturally gravitate towards activities that resonate with their innate abilities and interests.
By observing and supporting children during play, parents and educators can help them nurture their talents and pursue their passions.
Find out More
This newsletter is an extract from The Power of Play Based Learning. You can read the entire 4-part series here: