Importance of Play-Based Learning: Play and Children are The Perfect Mixture

Every experience presents a learning opportunity. Significant physical and mental developments are undergone during the first 5 years of a child's life. These developments are vital to their health and wellbeing, as well as the overall course of their lives.

Play-based learning is a common strategy that many early childhood centres adopt, as research has emphasised the importance of play-time for a child’s overall development.

During ‘playtime’ children are learning valuable skills that include social, cognitive and physical development while exploring areas that interest them.

The Early Learning Framework defines play-based learning as an environment for learning which allows children to organise and make sense of their social worlds through active engagement with people, objects and representations.

Benefits of play-based learning

Play-based learning: Importance of language skills

Engaging in play-based learning at a young age supports the development of language skills. Playtime is important during early childhood as it allows children to develop and expand their vocabulary as they interact with other children and teachers. This language skills acquired through play-based learning act as the foundation for their education, and are embedded within a child throughout the course of their lives.

Play-based learning encourages the development of language skills in a natural environment that is enjoyable and relevant to a child.

Importance of play-based learning: Develop social and emotional skills

Engagement in play-based learning is significantly related to the development of social and emotional skills at a young age. Different types of activities such as playing games requiring teamwork bring joy to a child as they are able to share these social experiences with friends. This sense of cooperation also develops a feeling of belonging within the child as they feel connected to a particular group.

As children play together, they develop key skills including; communication, cooperation and conflict resolution. Play-based learning is important as children learn to organise their feelings and emotions. These coping methods are important life skills which they will take with them through to adulthood.

The importance of play-based learning is sometimes underestimated. However, these activities can help relieve stress for a child as well as calm them down. It can act as a therapeutic method, allowing the child to recharge.

Play-based learning: Fosters creativity and imagination in early childhood

There have been links made that play-based learning fosters creativity and imagination within a child. Children use their imagination to reach conclusions and discover new ways of playing.

Supporting play-based learning is important as it is fundamental for children in developing their curiosity and becoming 21st-century thinkers.

Play-based activities need to be freely chosen by the child, and those that bring enjoyment to them. The importance of play-based learning needs to be recognized as it greatly benefits children in developing essential life skills.

Play-based learning supports pre-literacy skills

Play based activities which involve music and rhyme helps support the development of a child's pre-literacy skills including; listening skills and sound recognition.

* Singing songs

* Reciting rhymes

* Reading lyrics

These activities all play an important role in helping a child develop basic literacy and reading skills. Rhyme, rhythm and repetition are crucial for children to help develop their memory as well as their ability to differentiate between different sounds.

Young Academics early learning centre, has a range of play-based learning programs, helping your child flourish and learn crucial skills, assisting with their growth and education.

Innovating programs based on nourishing your children’s interests and wellbeing, Young Academics aim to create an environment that enhances development.