Children are naturally curious, always asking questions and exploring what is unknown to them. That is why play-based learning is a great way for them to learn at a young age. Play-based learning is an essential part of early childhood development, allowing children to use their imagination to problem solve. It acts as a natural and positive influence on children’s social, physical, emotional and cognitive development as they learn valuable skills. 

Play-based learning is also extremely versatile and can be enjoyed at home or in the park. It can be done with toys or just your imagination. Play-based learning encourages children to talk, read, think and write, serving as a great way for them to develop their literacy and numeracy skills.

As an early childhood centre in Rockdale, we can’t encourage the importance of play-based learning enough. It is a great way for children to develop certain skills and attributes while having fun. We incorporate this form of learning into our program and recommend parents do the same at home.

How Play-Based Learning Supports Your Child’s Development

Generally, young children have the urge to play as it brings a certain level of pleasure and interest. This approach is sustainable because, as a parent, you don’t always need to offer incentives to encourage your child to play. This natural urge they have gives them the freedom to learn and it serves as one of the most important ways children can develop. 

The benefits of play-based learning include supporting your child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development, while also being a fantastic foundation for learning important literacy and numeracy skills.

Physical development

This type of play will allow children to use muscles which will help to facilitate their physical growth, as well as their overall health and sense of wellbeing. Participating in activities like climbing, running, ball games, jumping and dancing will allow children to gain an appreciation for the benefits of active lifestyles. Play-based learning will also help children gain an understanding of being independent.

Social and Emotional Development

Dramatic and imaginative play in early childhood learning provides children with opportunities to practice collaborating with others, share ideas and make decisions. Being collaborative will help children to develop self-confidence as they experience success and challenges. Activities like dressing up and role play can develop positive social and emotional skills and values as they provide children with the opportunity to develop empathy as they learn to control their emotions while playing alongside other children.

Cognitive development

When your child engages in early childhood learning activities like playing alone or with others, it encourages them to harness their imagination and creativity.. It also leans on using cognitive skills such as thinking, remembering, learning and being attentive to problem-solving. Using these skills can also help to better your child’s ability to concentrate, persist and be resilient in the face of failure.

Literacy and Numeracy Skills

Learning through play involves thinking, language development, social interactions, curiosity, and exploration. It helps children to establish their listening and speaking skills which will help them to develop an increased understanding of words and how to use them. Depending on the type of play-based learning, children can also work on their writing skills which will contribute to learning that letters, words, symbols and numbers have a purpose.

There is so much variety when it comes to play-based learning and depending on the activity, children can begin to develop and learn important skills. It’s such a crucial aspect of early childhood growth which is why every child should experience this form of learning.

If you would like to learn more about play-based learning, our expert team is more than happy to answer any questions you may have – simply call us on 02 9784 2477 or get in touch with via our contact us page. We are an early childhood centre in Rockdale in Sydney and at First 2 Learn, we use play-based learning to help facilitate the growth and development of children.