As educators, we often witness children engaged in play that looks fun, spontaneous, and free. But the true power of play goes beyond entertainment—it's a gateway to deep learning. Play is one of the most effective ways children learn and develop a wide range of skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. Understanding how to observe and recognize the learning happening during these moments is key to supporting children's growth.
Research has shown that play-based learning experiences are most effective when they meet five key characteristics: they are joyful, meaningful, involve active thinking, are iterative, and include social interactions. These elements, when present in play, create opportunities for profound cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development.
Let's explore how to identify these characteristics in children's play and how they lead to the development of holistic skills.
1. Joyful Exploration
Play is a deeply joyful experience, and this joy is a powerful signal that profound learning is taking place. As children engage with the world around them—whether they're building with blocks, pretending in role-play, or tackling a puzzle—they are constantly encountering moments of surprise, wonder, and discovery. These moments of excitement and curiosity fuel their desire to explore and push boundaries, driving them to engage more deeply with their environment. This active engagement not only fosters a sense of achievement but also ignites a love for learning that motivates children to continue exploring, experimenting, and growing.
What to look for: As an early childhood educator, pay attention to moments when children express excitement, curiosity, or ask insightful questions during their play. These behaviors signal that they are fully engaged and invested in their learning process. Watch for signs of genuine interest—such as a child returning to the same activity multiple times, eagerly trying out new ideas, or experimenting with different solutions. When children find joy in their play, they are more likely to continue exploring, experimenting, and developing new skills, reinforcing the importance of creating an environment that nurtures their curiosity and enthusiasm.
2. Meaningful Play
Effective learning through play is deeply rooted in the familiar, as it allows children to connect what they're learning with their real-life experiences. When children engage with environments or materials they are emotionally invested in—whether they're creating a make-believe coffee-shop, drawing a picture of their home, or re-enacting scenarios they've observed—play becomes a powerful reflection of their own world. This kind of meaningful play is authentic and relevant, as it draws directly from the child's experiences, interests, and surroundings. By making these connections, children not only reinforce their understanding but also begin to understand how they fit into their world.
What to look for: As an early childhood educator, observe how children bring real-world scenarios into their play, such as pretending to cook a meal, mimicking adult tasks, or negotiating roles in group activities. These behaviors demonstrate that children are connecting their learning to their everyday experiences. When children incorporate familiar themes—like family dynamics, work routines, or community roles—into their play, they are making meaningful connections between their world and the broader concepts they are exploring. This not only deepens their understanding but also helps them feel more engaged and invested in their learning process, reinforcing the relevance of what they are discovering.
3. Active, Engaged Thinking
When children are deeply involved in play, they engage in active, hands-on learning. Instead of passive observation, children who are actively engaged in play are using critical thinking, making decisions, and evaluating outcomes. Whether it's figuring out how to build a stable structure from blocks or how to fit the right puzzle pieces together, children are using their brains and developing cognitive skills to solve problems and think creatively.
What to look for: As an educator, pay attention to moments when children are making decisions, solving problems, or developing strategies during play. Watch for signs of problem-solving, such as children adapting their approach after a challenge, or reflecting on their actions to improve their outcome. These moments of decision-making and self-reflection indicate that children are honing their cognitive skills, including critical thinking and problem-solving.
4. Iterative Learning
Effective play involves iteration—the ability for children to try things out, make mistakes, and try again. Whether building something out of magnetic tiles or playing hopscotch outside, the iterative process of trial and error is a hallmark of deep learning. Children learn from their mistakes and refine their strategies as they go.
What to look for: Look for moments when children persist through challenges, trying new strategies, and testing out different solutions. Their ability to revisit problems, reassess their approach, and adjust is a sign that they are developing resilience and improving their problem-solving skills.
5. Social Interactions
Play is inherently social, and many of the most valuable learning moments for toddlers and preschoolers happen when children collaborate, negotiate, and communicate with others. These social interactions help children develop skills such as empathy, teamwork, and the ability to understand and respect different perspectives.
What to look for: Observe children during group play to see how they communicate, collaborate, and negotiate with peers. Are they taking turns, sharing ideas, or working together to build something? Are they resolving conflicts or showing empathy towards others? These moments of social interaction indicate that children are developing essential social and emotional skills.
Child Development Through Play
When children engage in play that includes these five characteristics, they are simultaneously developing a range of skills.
- Cognitive Skills: Through play, children actively engage in critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving. As they explore different scenarios, they analyze situations, weigh options, and make choices based on their observations. Play provides a rich environment for children to develop the ability to reason, evaluate potential solutions, and adapt strategies, strengthening their cognitive flexibility and enhancing their overall problem-solving capabilities.
- Social Skills: Play fosters collaboration, communication, empathy, and perspective-taking. By negotiating rules, sharing ideas, and resolving conflicts, children develop essential interpersonal skills.
- Emotional Skills: Play helps children understand and express their emotions. It provides opportunities for them to practice self-regulation, build confidence, and learn how to stay motivated through challenges.
- Physical Skills: Through both fine motor and gross motor activities, play helps children develop physical coordination, spatial awareness, and a deeper understanding of their unique strengths and capabilities.
- Creative Skills: Play encourages children to explore multiple possibilities and think outside the box, whether it's finding various solutions to a challenge or expressing ideas in creative, imaginative ways. This process nurtures their creativity, sparks innovation, and helps them develop the skills to transform their thoughts into tangible concepts.
How Educators Can Support Play-Based Learning
As educators, our role is to provide an environment where children can learn through high-quality play experiences. Rather than directly instructing children, we can take a responsive, facilitative approach to learning. This means offering opportunities for children to explore, experiment, and discover things for themselves. We can also participate in play with children, providing gentle guidance, encouragement, and support as they learn.
By fostering a play-rich environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and creativity, we can help children develop these holistic skills that will stay with them throughout their lives.
Interested in more developmentally appropriate play-based learning activities for toddlers and preschoolers? Lillio Learning, powered by FunShine Express, provides a thoughtfully designed curriculum created by educators and experts. With comprehensive physical and digital resources tailored for children aged 0-5, Lillio Learning offers valuable support to busy educators. Discover how it can enhance your teaching approach today. Learn more here.