What Is Learning Through Play?

Play is often seen as something children do for fun, but did you know that play is one of the most powerful ways young children learn? Learning through play is a research-backed approach that supports a child’s development across cognitive, social, emotional, and physical domains. Here at Te Ōki Early Learning, we believe when children engage in meaningful play, they are building essential life skills that will help them succeed in school and beyond.

According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, play is not just important—it is a fundamental right of every child. Play-based learning is at the core of early childhood education frameworks worldwide, including Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, which emphasises play as the key way children learn and develop and informs the way we approach childrens learning at Te Ōki.

What Does Learning Through Play Mean?

Learning through play means that children are actively exploring, experimenting, and making sense of the world around them in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. Unlike traditional learning methods that rely on direct instruction, play-based learning allows children to take the lead, make choices, and develop critical thinking skills in a hands-on environment.

Play provides opportunities for children to develop problem-solving skills, independence, and resilience. Whether they are building a tower out of blocks, creating a pretend café with friends, or digging in the sandpit, children are constantly learning. These seemingly simple activities support deeper learning outcomes by helping children understand cause and effect, practice negotiation, and refine their motor skills.

The Benefits of Play-Based Learning

• Cognitive Development: Play fosters problem-solving skills, creativity, and early literacy and numeracy concepts. Research by the LEGO Foundation has shown that play enhances executive function, helping children to develop focus, working memory, and self-control.

• Social & Emotional Growth: Through play, children practice communication, collaboration, and emotional regulation. They learn how to navigate relationships, express emotions, and develop empathy. According to early childhood theorist Vygotsky, social interactions during play create the foundation for higher cognitive functions.

• Physical Development: Active play builds motor skills, coordination, and overall health and well-being. Activities like climbing, running, and dancing support gross motor skills, while puzzles, drawing, and playing with small objects develop fine motor control.

  
  

Theories Behind Play-Based Learning

Many early childhood theorists emphasize the importance of play in learning:

• Jean Piaget believed that children construct knowledge through hands-on experiences. He identified different stages of play-based learning, where children progress from simple exploratory play to more complex, rule-based games.

• Lev Vygotsky introduced the idea that social interactions during play help children develop higher-order thinking skills. His concept of the "Zone of Proximal Development" highlights how children can achieve more with guidance and interaction.

• Maria Montessori promoted a child-centered, play-based approach to learning, where children learn best in prepared environments with engaging materials. She emphasized sensory play and self-directed exploration.

• Friedrich Froebel, the inventor of kindergarten, believed that play was the highest expression of human development in childhood, describing it as "the purest form of self-expression."

What Does Learning Through Play Look Like?

Play can take many forms, all of which contribute to learning:

• Free Play vs. Guided Play: Free play is child-led, allowing children to use their imagination and interests to drive their experiences. Guided play, on the other hand, involves gentle adult support to extend learning opportunities without taking over.

• Imaginative Play: Activities like pretend play, dress-ups, and role-playing help children develop language, problem-solving skills, and social understanding. When a child pretends to be a doctor, for example, they are practicing empathy, communication, and sequencing events.

• Sensory Play: Engaging with different textures and materials (water play, playdough, sand) strengthens fine motor skills and sensory awareness. Research suggests that sensory play is crucial for brain development, particularly in the early years.

• Outdoor Play & Risk-Taking: Climbing, running, and exploring nature encourage confidence, resilience, and physical development. Risky play, such as balancing on logs or climbing trees, helps children develop risk assessment skills and perseverance.

• Construction Play: Building with blocks, LEGO, or recycled materials supports spatial awareness, early engineering skills, and problem-solving abilities.

• Games with Rules: Board games, simple card games, and group activities teach children patience, turn-taking, and strategy, all while reinforcing mathematical and logical thinking.

  
  

At Te Ōki Early Learning, we create a rich environment filled with open-ended materials that encourage children to explore these types of play. Whether it's setting up a role-play corner, providing natural loose parts, or facilitating group games, we ensure children have access to meaningful, play-based learning experiences every day.

How Parents Can Support Learning Through Play at Home

Supporting play-based learning at home doesn’t require expensive toys or structured activities—simple, everyday interactions can make a big difference. Here are some ways parents can encourage learning through play:

• Create a Play-Friendly Environment: Provide opportunities for open-ended play with simple materials like blocks, dress-ups, art supplies, and household items that encourage creativity.

• Encourage Outdoor Play: Nature-based play supports physical health and mental well-being. Encourage activities like mud play, gardening, and treasure hunts.

• Join in the Play: Playing with your child can be a great way to bond and support their learning. Ask open-ended questions (e.g., "What do you think will happen if...?" or "How can we make this stronger?") to extend their thinking.

• Limit Screen Time: While digital play has its place, unstructured, hands-on play is essential for developing problem-solving skills and creativity.

• Follow Your Child’s Interests: If your child loves dinosaurs, set up a small world play area with toy dinosaurs and books about prehistoric life. If they enjoy music, create homemade instruments and explore rhythms together.

• Embrace Messy Play: Water play, finger painting, and sensory bins are fantastic ways to encourage exploration and fine motor development.

• Provide Time for Unstructured Play: Avoid over-scheduling structured activities. Boredom can actually encourage creativity and problem-solving.

Conclusion

Play is not just an enjoyable pastime for children—it is a vital part of their learning journey. Research consistently shows that children who engage in rich play experiences develop stronger cognitive, social, and emotional skills. By embracing play at home and in early childhood settings, we can support children in developing essential skills that set them up for lifelong success.

So next time you see your child lost in play, remember: they’re not just having fun; they’re learning! Whether your young children are constructing a pillow fort and problem-solving how to keep it from collapsing, or your toddlers working together with friends to build a sandcastle at the beach, or infants simply exploring what's in your kitchen cabinets, they are all developing the skills they need to thrive in the world.

Here at Te Ōki Early Learning, we celebrate the power of play and its role in shaping confident, curious, and capable learners. If you're interested in learning more about how we integrate play-based learning into our curriculum, feel free to reach out—we’d love to chat!