Play-Based Learning

What is Play-Based Learning?

Play-based learning is an engaging educational approach that places play at the heart of the learning experience. It acknowledges that children learn most effectively through active participation and exploration within contexts that are both meaningful and enjoyable.

This method encompasses two primary forms of play: free play, where children independently direct their activities and discoveries, and guided play, where teachers or caregivers offer gentle direction.

Through these playful engagements, children naturally activate their imagination, embrace challenges, and develop problem-solving skills, all of which are crucial for their overall development.

Why Play-Based Learning is Important

Play-based learning is an important tool for children’s overall cognitive, social, emotional, and even physical development. In addition, a study at the University of Cambridge concluded play-based learning can have a “greater positive effect” on skills such as math, shape knowledge, task switching, and spatial vocabulary. Play-based learning is an engaging approach that mixes education and fun.

How to Incorporate Play-Based Learning in the Classroom

Incorporating play-based learning requires a shift in perspective and some intentional strategies. Some easy ways to get started in the classroom include having a literacy corner with books and writing materials for storytelling. Create opportunities for children to write their own stories. Another easy way to integrate play is by introducing movement and music to reinforce concepts and provide kinesthetic learning opportunities. Replace worksheets with experiments, building challenges, and opportunities to manipulate objects and discover concepts for hands-on exploration in science and math.

Play-Based Instructional Strategies

An educator’s role is to motivate and encourage children to learn through interactions that expand their thinking. This can be done by harnessing children’s natural curiosity and proclivities to experiment, explore, problem solve, and stay engaged in meaningful activities, especially when doing so with others. Teachers maximize learning while individualizing learning goals.

Some play-based teaching strategies can include:

Creating a play-rich environment through designated play areas and offering accessible materials such as sensory bins, art supplies, building toys, etc.
Facilitating and guiding play, such as joining them in activities and modeling for them.
Integrating curriculum, such as math and science, through play.
Encouraging social and emotional development through collaborative play.

Examples of Play-Based Learning

Concordia University Nebraska lists different types of play-based learning:

Dramatic play: Children use symbols or props to reenact real-world scenarios, such as pretending to work at a grocery store or restaurant.
Fantasy play: Teachers target a child’s imagination to create make-believe stories, such as pretending to be a superhero or astronaut.
Exploratory play: Children experiment with objects such as aqua beads or containers filled with various objects with different textures and sensations, such as leaves, rocks, sand, pasta, rice, or beans.
Manipulative play: Children use materials such as blocks or playdough to build structures, solve puzzles, or design patterns.
Digital play: Teachers use a range of electronic equipment, like phones, tablets, or computers, to build a child’s digital literacy.
Small World play: Children use small toys such as a miniature farm or house set.
Games with rules: Teachers use specific games with a learning objective in mind, such as tag, hopscotch, or foursquare.

Outdoor Learning

Extending the principles of play-based learning outdoors offers boundless opportunities for exploration, discovery, and the very characteristics that make playful learning so effective.

Benefits of Outdoor Learning

Research suggests many benefits to outdoor learning for young children, including helping them regulate their emotions and increase their knowledge of nature. Early childcare centers can support children’s development through intentionally designed spaces and mindful interactions. Outdoor play creates opportunities for social interaction and collaboration while promoting physical health. Berkley Child and Family Development Center found that implementing outdoor play led to an improvement in learning and focus in the classroom.

How Providers and Educators Can Facilitate Learning Outdoors:

Consider your space – Set up designated, predictable spaces for specific activities. Select locations so that an adult can easily oversee several areas at once.
Articulate and document your daily schedule – Adapt the daily schedule to accommodate the amount of time you have outdoors and the different interests, strengths, and needs of your group.
Allow children to naturally set the curriculum– Let the environment and children’s interests guide areas of investigation and the time allotted to various activities.
Be a reader and writer outside – Use easels to write down children’s ideas, and read what you write back to them. Bring books outside to read, and create a designated place for reading and resting. Be intentional about reading and providing environmental print.
Don’t forget about science and math – Invite children to learn about gardening, to create an insect tank and research what’s inside, or to use magnifying glasses to look more closely at nature around them. You can chart and graph what they find.
Use a sandbox for dramatic play – With just a bit of laminated money and a few cash registers or shoeboxes, you can create a store. Freeze colorful ice and balls, and create an ice cream shop. Ask families to bring in their empty grocery containers for home-to-school connections.
Plan for the weather – Speak with families about clothing choices, and ask them to supply back-up clothing. Most plastic toys and science tools can handle getting muddy and wet. Mats, tarps, towels, pop-up tents, folding tables, and bins may be useful. Families, consignment shops, and garage sales can be great sources for these items.
Encourage adults to participate – While play and exploration are important, adult interaction deepens children’s learning. Ensure your staff are encouraging and engaging with children- that they are children’s learning partners. They should be comfortable being low to the ground, engaging in the space, and handling materials.