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Understanding how young children learn is critical to achieving positive educational outcomes. A study published in the International Journal of Education in 2024 found that when educators are able to present children with a variety of approaches to learning, they are more likely to meet each child’s unique needs and promote the development of all the students they teach.

Play-based learning is an important way for children to develop their knowledge and skills. This approach to learning capitalizes on the natural curiosity children have and gives them an opportunity to learn through hands-on experiences. Engaging in activities rooted in play allows children to strengthen their physical development, form relationships, and enhance their ability to communicate. They also get the chance to build their social and emotional skills.

Anyone who is considering earning a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Early Childhood Education can benefit from exploring what play-based learning is and how to incorporate it into the classroom.

Benefits of Play-Based Learning in Early Childhood Education

Reviewing some of the important features of play-based learning can help clarify exactly what play-based learning is. Children generally learn through play when they:

• Have the opportunity to select their own activities, direct those activities, and determine the duration of those activities
• Genuinely enjoy the activities they pursue and are not working toward a specific goal
• Pursue activities that do not have a rigid structure and that enable them to learn from their mistakes
• Have the opportunity to discover their own processes for accomplishing tasks
• Can use their imagination and apply their creativity during play

As with other approaches to education, such as flexible learning environments or the Reggio Emilia approach , play-based learning provides children with a wide range of benefits. Particularly in early childhood education, learning that is based on play can:

• Foster the development of language. For example, play-based learning can give children opportunities to engage in conversations and expand their vocabulary.
• Promote creativity. Pretending to play different roles, for instance, can spark children’s creativity and enable them to use their imagination.
• Improve social and emotional skills. Play-based learning activities can give children practice in using their social and emotional skills in different scenarios. For example, they can practice resolving conflicts or taking turns performing a particular activity.
• Develop a love for learning. Learning through play is a wonderful way to show children the fun associated with learning new concepts. It also can help children build confidence in their ability to learn.
• Strengthen motor skills. Especially for younger children, play-based activities can give children an opportunity to enhance their motor skills.

How Can Teachers Employ Play-Based Learning?

Teachers can incorporate play-based learning into the classroom in a variety of ways. Below are just a few examples.

Establish an Environment for Play-Based Learning

Teachers can start by setting up environments in their classroom that encourage play-based learning. For example, they can create classroom centers that focus on specific play-based activities, build a collection of costumes that children can wear for role-playing, or designate a space where students can play board games that build their problem-solving or mathematical skills.

Incorporate Outdoor Activities Into Play-Based Learning

Teachers also can use outdoor environments for play-based learning. For example, playgrounds, sandboxes, and outdoor gardens are great settings for play-based learning activities that can offer children the chance to apply their creative skills.

Ensure That Teachers and Staff Are Trained in Play-Based Learning

Another important factor in promoting play-based learning is ensuring that teachers and staff have received training in what play-based learning is and how to incorporate it into their lesson plans. When teachers and staff receive instruction on offering play-based learning, they are better able to promote it and encourage students to participate in play-based activities.

Devote Time to and Plan for Play-Based Learning

To get the most out of learning through play, teachers can actively plan for and carve out time for play-based activities. Setting aside a specific portion of the day for free or guided play, for example, can help teachers ensure that children have the chance to participate in play-based learning.

How to Avoid the Challenges of Play-Based Learning

Teachers can face certain challenges associated with play-based learning, so knowing how to address those challenges is helpful in ensuring that the learning approach is successful. For example, it is important for teachers to:

Know When to Intervene

Sometimes children may not continue making progress during play-based activities. Therefore, teachers need to observe children during play-based learning and know when to ask open-ended questions or provide prompts that can enable children to maximize the potential benefits of the activities.

Get to Know Each Student

Some children may respond better to certain play-based learning activities than others. Becoming familiar with each student’s personality and strengths is important in knowing the degree to which the students can benefit from the activities.

Be Open to Accepting Children’s Ideas

Classroom management can sometimes be challenging with play-based learning, so teachers need to remain open to children’s ideas for play-based activities and not be bound by a strict set of rules.

Respect and Address Concerns From Parents About Play-Based Learning

Students’ parents may not always be aware of the benefits of play-based learning and sometimes may express concerns about their children’s learning progress. In those cases, teachers need to discuss with parents the value of play-based learning and the specific advantages it offers.

Discover Play-Based Learning Approaches and Tools for Educating Children

Blending play-based learning activities into classroom instruction can help teachers ensure that their students can reach their full potential. By offering students opportunities to strengthen a range of their skills, play-based learning is an important part of children’s learning and development process.

Individuals who are interested in the education of young children can explore the B.A. in Early Childhood Education degree program at Wilson College Online to learn how it can help them reach their career goals. Providing insights into the latest teaching strategies and classroom practices, the program prepares aspiring educators to teach students in pre-K through fourth grade.

Let Wilson College Online help you start working toward achieving your career goals in education today.

Recommended Readings

Benefits of Experiential Learning

Benefits of Project-Based Learning in Elementary School

What Are the 4 Types of Learning Styles

Sources:

Accelerate Learning, “Play-Based Learning in Preschool: Learning Through Play”

Brightwheel, “What Is Play-Based Learning?”

Edmentum, “Play-Based Learning: Why It Should Be a Part of Every Classroom”

Education Endowment Foundation, “Play-Based Learning”

Edutopia, “For Young Kids, the Power of Play-Based Learning”

Edutopia, “Self-Guided Learning in Outdoor Play Areas”

International Journal of Education, “Awareness of Early Childhood Education Among Teachers Working in Pre-Primary Schools”

Prodigy, “Understanding Play-Based Learning and Its Impact on Students”

Wunderled, “Addressing Parents’ Concerns About Play-Based Learning”