The Benefits of Play-Based Learning

The term play-based learning has become increasingly popular in early learning circles as more and more classrooms adopt this curriculum style.  

This week, we explore what play-based learning really looks like and identify the benefits of learning through play. A deeper understanding will also give you tools for articulating the benefits of play-based learning to curious parents. 

What is Play-Based Learning?

Learning and play are inherently linked, especially during the first five years of life.  Children use play as a way to explore, investigate, and make new discoveries. Playing in a group setting gives children opportunities to build relationships and friendships with their peers. According to an article in The Conversation, play-based learning builds on children’s natural motivation to play and uses their interests as a “context for learning. In this context, children can explore, experiment, discover, and solve problems in imaginative and playful ways. A play-based approach involves both child-initiated and teacher-supported learning. The teacher encourages children’s learning and inquiry through interactions that aim to stretch their thinking to higher levels.” 

Whether children are playing outside, drawing a picture, building with legos, or engaging in dramatic play with peers, they are learning valuable academic and social skills that will be important to them later in life.

What are the Benefits of Play-based Learning?

In 2022, the University of Cambridge released a report assessing data on the learning impact of guided play from 39 studies that included 3900 children aged 3-8.  The study found that guided play in preschool and early elementary school had a positive impact on skill development in literacy, social development, executive function, and, most notably, numeracy and math learning. 

• Play encourages language and literacy development. Engaging in active play from an early age encourages the development of language skills. A child’s vocabulary grows and develops in conversation during and about play. The context of play allows for this to happen in an enjoyable,  natural way.  Additionally, play that involves music and rhyme supports the development of early literacy skills, including listening and sound recognition. 
• Play in an early learning setting supports emerging social skills. When children play with one another, they can According to NAEYC, through play, children can learn valuable skills such as collaboration, cooperation, communication, and even self-confidence. An article from the NAEYC publication, Young Children, As children play with their peers, they learn how to navigate working on a team and building relationships with their friends. Through their interactions, they are learning important social skills for their futures.
• Play engages children in activities involving numbers and math. There are many ways to incorporate foundational math skills into play. When children play with blocks and puzzles, for example, they are engaging in spatial reasoning. Dramatic play that includes a cash register or shopping provides an opportunity to count, add, and subtract.  Building with Legos and other blocks involves concepts in shape, size, and geometry. When children pretend to cook, they can be encouraged to practice measuring and even work with fractions.  Each of these skills will help with kindergarten readiness and preparation for later academic success.
• Play engages thought and problem-solving. NAEYC shares that, “Learning that emerges through play is deep and meaningful to children because they have shaped it themselves. Play helps children make sense of their world, giving them opportunities to learn how to get along, think, communicate, make decisions, delay gratification, solve problems, and build confidence.” 

What is the Role of the Teacher?

As an early childhood educator, your role in children’s learning is vital. The skills that children learn in your care will set the foundation for later academic success and relationship-building in elementary school and into adulthood. 

So, how do we, as educators, create a curriculum that encourages exploration and play? Below are some tips for transforming play experiences into learning experiences, a practice that is also called guided play. 

Create a Rich and Engaging Classroom Environment

One of the best ways that we can support play-based learning is to set up our classroom environments in a way that inspires creativity and discovery. We can provide lots of books, and open-ended learning materials such as blocks, legos, and art supplies. Early childhood educator, Tina Gabel, MEd explains, “Play-based learning at its finest utilizes the environment as a third teacher…A place where every activity and object placed in the space has a purpose, adds to the learning, and helps scaffold information across the learning domains.”

Give Children Time for Deep Play

Deep learning requires time. Children who are engaged in thoughtful and meaningful play should be given adequate time to explore their interests. If you notice children are especially interested in a particular project or activity, try to respect their time by allowing them to dive deep into uninterrupted play. Allow them to concentrate, be creative, and ask questions before guiding them into the next activity.

Introduce Play-related Words, Concepts, and Ideas

As we observe children in play, we might notice an opportunity for deeper learning. If we see children building a structure with blocks, we might introduce new math concepts by asking questions such as “How many blocks do you have here? What would happen if I took two blocks away…how many would you have then?” If a child is interested in airplanes flying overhead, you might find some books that explore airplanes, their mechanics, and how they fly. The key is to allow the child to lead the conversation, and to then introduce new words and concepts that build on the child’s interests.

For more information about child-led play, take a look at the Good2Know article, Understanding Child-led Play and its Benefits.