Play-based learning is not just playing, but a very important early childhood educational approach that uses play as a channel for a child’s education and development. It is an approach where children learn concepts through playing. Children have innate abilities to explore, experiment, imagine, interact, be curious and hands-on. By harnessing these natural abilities, adults can guide children’s play to help them achieve early childhood developmental concepts such as language, math, creativity, physical, socio-emotional and cognitive skills.

Why does it matter?

Play-based learning supports the holistic or whole child. With the help of a guiding adult, a child can achieve brain growth and cognitive skills; social and emotional intelligence; language and literacy concepts; and physical coordination through the medium of play. A good play-based learning environment in the early years provides the foundation for children to manage the demands of formal schooling later. Further, through play, children create and practice understandings of how the world around them works, e.g., fantasy dress-up, cooking, tea-party, dolls, etc.

When does it develop?

Play starts from birth and is a continuous, natural process that evolves from independent play in infancy to imaginative and rule-based play in early childhood.

What should ECD Practitioners and parents/caregivers do?

  • Provide a rich early childhood environment with equipment and resources for play to develop
  • Provide for active, hands-on experiences
  • Allow for free play where children initiate or choose their play: this means that the adult must exercise observation skills
  • Intervene only when you see a teachable moment: a moment where you feel you can extend their play by asking leading questions and guiding them to discover and explore more on the current play
  • Remember to support and not take over or control the play
  • This is a good time to assess for development. ECD Practitioners should make observation notes whilst parents/caregivers take mental note of any progress in development