The Importance of Play
Play is an important part of a child's development, supporting cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Play-Based Learning has been shown to be helpful for children in the early years to develop critical skills in a fun and engaging way.
Did you know that when your little one is saying a nursery rhyme, they are practicing their language development skills? Or, that when your child drops a ball down a tunnel over and over again, they are working on their gross-motor as well as cognitive skills?
Below we explore what play-based learning is and how it benefits development. We will outline how parents and carers can combine play into their daily routine to support their toddlers’ social and emotional skills, as well as their cognitive development.
What is Play-Based Learning?
Play-Based Learning is an educational approach that uses play as the main method for learning. It encourages children to explore, experiment, and discover through activities that are enjoyable and stimulating. This approach acknowledges that children learn best when they are playing in a way that interests them. Research has shown that there are many benefits to Play-Based Learning starting from early childhood.
What are the Benefits of Play-Based Learning?
The first benefit is increased cognitive development. Through play, children in the early years develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Activities such as puzzles, building blocks, and dramatic play help improve memory, concentration, and creativity.
Another benefit is increased social skills development. This is because play also provides opportunities for children in early years to interact with other children and adults, teaching them how to share, take turns, and resolve conflicts. Social play also helps children understand and express emotions.
Also, engaging in play with others helps toddlers improve their language skills. They learn new words, sentence structures, and ways to communication through conversations and storytelling.
Lastly, play-based learning can play an important part in a child's gross and fine motor skills development in early childhood.
Through play, your child has opportunities to use large body movements, known as gross motor skills, such as kicking balls or climbing soft play areas.
They also have opportunities to practice using small muscle movements, known as fine motor skills, such as grasping small objects and drawing.
As every child is unique and may have different play-based learning approaches they prefer, parents and caretakers should take the time to try different play-based styles that your child prefers.
What are the different types of Play-Based Learning?
Different types of play based learning, such as unstructured and structured play, can both enhance your child's learning environment.
Unstructured play
Unstructured play, sometimes called free play, is spontaneous and creative. It has no specific steps or goal t and allows for many possibilities on the way they play. This helps children to grow their imaginations, explore and be curious in a play-based setting. Unstructured play gives children some freedom and control, letting them to choose what they play and how they play.
Some examples of free play activities include:
- exploring the playground
- art exploration such as colouring, drawing or painting on blank paper
- nature play such as sand and water play
- toddler friendly soft play sets or climbing sets
- construction play such as playing with blocks
- sensory play
- music and movement such as using musical instrument sets
- role-playing such as costume dress ups and using puppets
Structured play
Structured play, also known as goal-oriented play, uses reasoning to solve problems. This involves following rules to reach a goal to allow your child to practice a series of actions to achieve a particular goal.
Play can happen independently, or in a team-based setting. Structured play encourages your child to learn to recognise patterns and problem-solving skills.
Some examples of goal-oriented play activities include:
- Card games or board games involving set of rules
- Cooking experiences such as baking (adapt to suit your child's age)
- Gardening experiences such as planting (adapt to suit your child's age)
- Following instructions to assemble things such as a puzzles
- Sporting activities like tag and ball games (adapt to suit your child's age)
How Can We Use Play-Based Learning at Home?
Play-Based Learning can take many forms. Below are just some simple play-based activities that you can do at home:
- Pretend Play: Encourage your toddler to use their imagination have some toys like costumes, kitchen sets, and toy tools. Pretend play helps develop creativity and social skills.
- Art and Craft: Set up a creative corner with paper, crayons, glue, and other craft supplies. Art activities allow toddlers to express themselves and improve fine motor skills.
- Outdoor Play: Activities like playing in the sandbox, riding tricycles, and exploring nature help toddlers develop gross motor skills and an appreciation for the environment.
- Building and Construction: Use blocks, or household items to build structures. This type of play improves spatial awareness and problem-solving skills.
In addition to these activities, adding free play allows children to explore their interests without adult intervention, supporting social and emotional development.
A space for your child to play is key to play-based learning. When the space is supportive and focused on the child, it helps kids grow in all areas — socially, emotionally, and mentally. It encourages them to follow their interests, explore, and learn through play.
What about Play-Based Learning Outside of the Home?
Don’t have the extra space at home? That’s OK. There are still many opportunities for play-based learning outside the home, too. For example, you could consider:
- Joining a local playgroup that allows you to join in organised play sessions with your child and other families in a weekly or fortnightly session.
- Bringing your child to the local park and playground for nature-based, water or sand play activities.
- Joining your local library, where you will find regular, activities such as rhyme times, story times and other baby and toddler sessions and borrow a few books while you are there.
- Joining your local toy library as an alternative way to introduce rotating play equipment for your baby or toddler.
Early education principles can be used in play activities to support children's growth and help them reach key developmental milestones.
How Can I Better Support My Child with Play-Based Learning?
Ultimately, the best environment for Play-Based Learning is one that is both safe and stimulating for your child. For example:
- Choose a specific area for play (if possible): Create a specific area that has a variety of toys and materials that encourage exploration. Let your child choose activities that interest them, supports a sense of autonomy and keeps them engaged. It can also help widen your child’s experiences and interests.
- Get actively involved in play with your child: Parents play an important role in supporting Play-Based Learning. Engage with your child during playtime, offering support and encouragement. This helps them to understand that play is valuable and provides opportunities for bonding.
- Pay attention to your child’s play patterns and interests: Reflecting on these can help you tailor activities to their developmental needs and support children's learning through both child-directed and guided play approaches.
Support Your Child’s Growth with Play
Adding play-based learning into your toddler’s daily routine can support their development.
By creating a play-friendly environment, participating in their play, and providing different activities, you can support your child’s growth in a fun and meaningful way.
Engaging in these activities also helps build self-confidence, allowing children to explore and learn at their own pace.
By supporting an environment where children can explore their own interests, you help them to engage in activities that connect to their personal interests.
This not only helps in developing cognitive and social skills but also allows them to choose their own play experiences.
For more information on how to support your toddler’s development through play, watch our My Toddler and Me video series.
