The Power of Play, Part 2: Why Learning Through Play is Essential for Young Children
Play is much more than just a way for children to have fun—it’s a powerful tool for learning. Young children naturally have a strong desire to play and explore, making it ideal for developing essential skills and knowledge. When children learn through play, they engage with the world in a meaningful way, at their own level and pace.
The Benefits of Learning Through Play
One key advantage of learning through play is that it allows children to make meaningful connections based on their interests and abilities. This personalised approach to learning helps children better understand new concepts and ideas as they explore these in a context that makes sense to them.
Learning through play also provides continuity as children move between different year groups and can support smoother transitions. As children grow and develop, play can be adapted to meet their changing needs, ensuring that they continue learning in a natural and enjoyable way.
Different Types of Play
Two main types of play contribute to learning: child-led and adult-led.
In child-led play, the child initiates and directs the play. The adult’s role is to observe the child and interact when appropriate to extend learning. The focus is on following the child’s interests, allowing them to explore and discover at their own pace.
In contrast, adult-led play is initiated and directed by the adult. The adult plans activities with specific learning goals in mind and guides the child towards achieving these goals through structured play.
The Role of Adults During Play
Adults play a crucial role in supporting and enhancing learning through play. Here’s how they can contribute:
Observe: Watch the child as they play to understand their interests, skills, and developmental stage. Observation helps adults identify opportunities to extend learning.
Interact: Engage with the child during play, participating in their activities when appropriate. This interaction can help deepen the child’s understanding and foster a stronger connection between the child and the adult.
Challenge Thinking: Encourage the child to think more deeply by commenting on their play, modelling behaviours or actions, and asking open-ended questions. This helps to stimulate curiosity and promotes critical thinking.
Extend Learning: Add new resources or ideas during play to keep the child engaged and deepen their learning experience.
Plan and Evaluate: Based on observations, plan future activities that build on the child’s current interests and skills. Regularly evaluate the child’s progress to ensure their learning continues to develop positively.
Conclusion
Learning through play is a natural and effective way for young children to grow and develop. By embracing the power of play, children and adults can enjoy a dynamic and enriching learning process. Whether through child-led or adult-led play, the key is to create an environment where children feel free to explore, learn, and thrive at their own pace.