When parents hear the word “learning,” they might imagine books, maths and writing. But when it comes to young children, some of the most valuable learning can actually take place through an activity as simple as play.
At early learning centres, children might spend their day building towers, painting pictures, playing shoppers, running around outside, listening to stories or sitting down to solve a puzzle with a friend. All of these activities provide important learning opportunities for children, allowing them to grow and develop their skills in multiple ways.
Learning through play gives children space to explore ideas, make decisions, solve problems and gain experiences that will support them well into their future.
What Is Play-Based Learning?
Play-based learning is a style of learning where children can explore interests and ideas through activities that spark curiosity, engagement and participation.
Rather than sitting through long lessons, early childhood educators can use their knowledge of what interests each child to create opportunities for discovery, allowing children to take action and lead their own play.
In a game of blocks, children might be exploring physics, while in a group of friends playing at a restaurant, they might be practising their communication and maths skills.
The learning is embedded in the activity itself.
Learning Social Skills Through Play
Social skills are a set of abilities that children are still building throughout their early years.
Children playing together provides a perfect opportunity for them to practise sharing toys, taking turns, listening to each other and communicating their wants and needs. It is also a chance for them to learn how to solve disagreements with guidance from educators.
Pretending to be someone else is another great way for children to put themselves in other people's shoes and develop an understanding of different feelings and perspectives.
All of these social interactions that happen through everyday play can help boost a child's confidence when communicating with others.
Solving Problems Through Everyday Play
Children aren't always looking for someone to tell them what to do!
Sometimes, children can be given the space and resources to solve a problem themselves or find a solution with a friend.
If a child is trying to build a tower but it keeps falling down, they might try moving the blocks around, using different shapes or asking a friend for help. This is a simple example of problem-solving.
Puzzles, blocks, sorting activities, water play and imaginative play can all provide opportunities for children to make decisions, try different solutions and persist when something doesn't work.
These activities can also help build resilience as children learn that mistakes are a natural part of learning.
Expressing Themselves Through Creativity
Painting, dancing, singing, dress-ups, dramatic play and many other creative activities allow children to express themselves in ways they feel comfortable with.
There isn't always a “right” or “wrong” answer when it comes to creative activities. Instead, children can explore their imagination and make decisions for themselves.
Children can also build confidence when communicating about their interests, likes and dislikes. Creative opportunities can help educators identify a child's interests and encourage children to share their ideas with others.
Learning Through Outdoor Exploration
Learning doesn't always have to take place inside!
Being outdoors can give children an opportunity to run and jump around while also exploring nature and building an interest in the world around them.
Gardens can be used as an opportunity to teach children about plants, animals and insects, while sand and water play can introduce concepts such as measurement, estimation and counting.
Outdoor spaces can also encourage children to get their hands dirty while exploring different textures, observing their surroundings and asking questions.
When considering child care coffs harbour, the amount of opportunities for outdoor learning experiences can be an important factor for families to consider.
Learning Independence Through Simple Jobs
Many young children take a great interest in completing tasks for themselves.
Simple jobs throughout the day can give children a chance to show their independence while also developing fine motor skills, organisational skills and decision-making abilities.
Putting toys away in the right place, choosing what they want to play next or helping to water plants in the garden can all help give children a sense of accomplishment.
Educators can also encourage independence by allowing children to make choices for themselves or supporting them when a task becomes too difficult.
Making the Right Choice in an Early Learning Centre
When choosing an early learning centre, parents can look beyond the number of activities available and think about how these activities are used.
Are educators supporting children's interests? Are children asking questions and making decisions for themselves? Are they getting time for imaginative and outdoor play? Can children make choices throughout the day? How are educators supporting children when they need help?
Families considering smartland port macquarie can also think about how the early learning centre they visit balances creating experiences for children to learn through while allowing them time and space to explore and play independently.
A thoughtful early learning environment can help children remain curious while educators extend their learning and spark new interests.
Learning Through Play Today, and Skills for Tomorrow
The value of play can go far beyond entertainment. Children can use activities to explore topics such as communication, cooperation, creativity, problem-solving, gross motor skills, independence and persistence.
For parents, it can be important to remember that early childhood learning can look very different from school. A child playing with blocks, using imaginative play or exploring the garden can learn so much more than might first appear.
Early childhood is about sparking young children's interest in learning, as well as giving them the skills to become confident, independent learners who enjoy asking questions and discovering more about the world.
For families seeking information about their early learning options, Smartland Boutique Early Learning gives families another opportunity to think about how play, relationships, exploration and everyday experiences can make up a child's learning journey.
And sometimes, the best learning can begin with simply letting the children play!
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