Play-Based Learning: What is it and why is it so beneficial?

Over the past 30 years, research has proven that the most important period of human development is between birth and 8 years. A positive early childhood helps build strong foundations for success in the future years through creating a life-long love of learning.

Children are naturally curious. They want to know how the world works and how they fit into the world.

They do this through:

· observing

· listening

· watching

· moving

· talking

· exploring

· questioning

· interacting

· investigating

· …plus so much more!

Basically, children learn through what they do. They learn through their play. As Maria Montessori’s famous quote states: ‘Play is the work of the Child’!

What is Play-Based Learning?

Play-based learning is a pedagogical approach that involves play being the main way of children developing and learning. There are three types of Play-Based Learning:

1. Free Play: the child directs their own play and is internally motivated

2. Guided play: adults extend, deepen or enhance children’s learning through questioning or modelling. Adults may set up and guide children to play opportunities that will support their learning and development.

3. Adult-Led: activities are set up and directed by an adult for children to take part in, usually focused on particular intentions or objectives

Why Play-Based Learning?

Research shows that children learn best when they are mentally active, interacting with materials and resources in both a purposeful and meaningful way – hence why play-based learning is so effective in both home and school environments.

Accessible environments set up to encourage independent play, also enable your child to learn without even realising. They build their self-esteem, sense of belonging and confidence in their own self. They participate in early mathematical thinking, practise pre-writing skills and become communicators, thinkers, investigators, all through play. Children make predictions, generalisations, test and hypothesise. They experiment, make connections and explore concepts and processes. They develop skills such as resilience, perseverance and determination – all vital for success in later life. Play is powerful, and vital. It has a natural, positive influence on children’s holistic development.

How does this link to The Know & Play Space?

Here at The Know & Play Space, we have a passion for play-based learning, and wholeheartedly believe in its benefits research has proven for developing the whole child.

Although children will spend most of their childhood engaging in free play, sometimes, we as the adults want to support our child and guide them on their journey – enabling further development of their understanding, their skills, or their interests. This is why at The Know & Play Space we have carefully curated age/stage-appropriate ideas and activities that will enhance children’s learning and development through play opportunities we as the adults can offer.