A parents approached me with a question about why children are often engaged in play both outdoor and indoor, but not seen seating at tables doing in activities like math worksheet, and learning alphabet.
When we think of learning, we often picture children sitting at tables, holding pencils, and completing worksheets. But for young children, play is the most powerful tool for growth. Through play, children develop essential skills that go far beyond the classroom skills that nurture curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and social-emotional development.
Why Play Matters in Early Education
- Cognitive Growth: Building with blocks teaches math and science concepts like balance, shapes, and cause-and-effect.
- Language Development: Pretend play sparks storytelling, vocabulary building, and communication skills.
- Social Skills: Playing together fosters cooperation, empathy, and the ability to resolve conflicts.
- Fine & Gross Motor Skills: From painting to climbing, play strengthens coordination and muscle control.
The Impact of Learning Through Play
- Boosts Brain Development : Play helps children make connections in the brain, supporting memory, attention span, and critical thinking.
- Strengthens Emotional Well-Being : Through play, children learn how to express feelings, manage frustration, and build confidence.
- Encourages Lifelong Curiosity : Children who experience joyful, hands-on learning are more likely to stay curious and motivated as they grow.
- Promotes Problem-Solving Skills: Whether figuring out how to share toys or solve a puzzle, play teaches children resilience and creativity.
- Builds Academic Readiness: Naturally Skills gained in play such as counting blocks, sorting shapes, or retelling a story translate into readiness for math, reading, and writing.
How Educators and Parents Can Support Learning Through Play
- Provide open-ended materials like blocks, art supplies, loose parts, and dress-up clothes.
- Create safe, engaging environments indoors and outdoors that spark exploration.
- Join in the play, follow your child’s lead, ask open-ended questions, and encourage new ideas.
Celebrate the process, not just the product. Learning is happening at every step.
14 Comments
Great information for early childhood educator and parents.
Great information on early childhood development. Thanks for sharing.
Its strange how some parents think early childhood is like daycare. There is a huge difference and you have made it clear. Children do not have to sit in a classroom setting to learn. The learn through play and its great to introduce open ended questions and play materials to jog and development their tinny little brain. Great info to us educators and parents as a whole.
This is highly informative and well-executed piece. 👏
Thank you
I also thought children learning meant sitting at a table and doing worksheets and workbooks, but I learnt that their “play” is the best learning tool for them. Thanks so much Sakina for throwing more light into this for us parents.
Thank you Michelle. I’m glad you found this insightful. Play is one of the powerful tool for children’s learning and development!
This is super amazing . As an early childhood educator I often hear parents complain about not letting the children do maths , writing and all but giving them all the room to play . I explain to them that as a school age teacher , children learn math through playing games like Chess, snake and ladder game, UNO cards and etc. Play is indeed the most essential form of learning for children to help them build themselves, cooperate with others and get ready for the outside world . Very educative information here .
You are absolutely right. Thank you for sharing your experience as an educator.
Thanks for sharing this important information. It is amazing how those unscheduled moments turns into something valuable for the children.
Those unstructured play moment turns into a beautiful and magical learning experience. Let them explore freely.
Good read! Children learn best through experiences and repetition. Play offers all that and more.
Totally agree! Thank you
It circles back to seeing parents as collaborators. Bringing parents in on what happens in the classroom and how they can extend some of these activities to ensure learning is continuous. So during drop off, we chip in what’s been happening and recommend activities. This is the only way parents can understand the decisions we take towards enriching their children’s early years.