Written By: Lené K. Willey
The timeless question in education is, "What is the best teaching method for children?" In my honest opinion, the answer lies deeply in connecting with the child's unique and individual interests. Think about it carefully—what types of activities truly manage to capture your full attention and keep you engaged? They’re almost always the ones you find enjoyable, enriching, and highly engaging. Now, take a moment to consider what almost every curious and energetic young child naturally loves and gravitates toward without hesitation. The answer is simple and universal: toys and play!
Unfortunately, the modern classroom has gradually drifted away from the concept of play-based learning, instead moving toward a more rigid and traditional model that focuses heavily on meeting strict academic standards and preparing students for relentless standardized tests. While these assessments typically begin in third grade, the preparation for them often starts shockingly early—sometimes as early as kindergarten. This approach demands that young and impressionable children absorb a staggering amount of information at a very rapid pace in order to be deemed ready for the next educational level.
During my Master's program, I had the opportunity to deeply explore play-based learning. Over and over, I encountered extensive research highlighting its effectiveness as a transformative teaching method for children (Gaudreau et al., 2022). This approach not only helps children grasp academic concepts in an engaging and interactive way but also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills (Gaudreau et al., 2022). Incorporating play into the daily schedule during these formative years is essential for creating a well-rounded learning experience.
One of my favorite examples of play-based learning took place during an indoor recess in my classroom last year. A group of students was playing with toy animals when a disagreement broke out over who would get to play with specific ones. Instead of stepping in immediately, I decided to observe, curious to see how they would handle the situation. To my surprise and delight, the students resolved the issue independently, drawing on knowledge from our earlier lessons on animals. Their solution was both creative and collaborative: they divided the animals based on habitats and environments. One student took rainforest animals like monkeys, sloths, and snakes. Another claimed pets and farm animals, including cats, dogs, horses, and cows. The final student chose zoo animals such as lions, tigers, and giraffes. While lessons on habitats can certainly be taught through books and discussions, this moment demonstrated the unique power of play. The students not only applied academic concepts but also exercised critical thinking, social skills, and teamwork—all in a way that was meaningful and fun for them.
What truly sets play-based learning apart is its ability to nurture social and emotional development. Through unstructured play, children learn to navigate social dynamics, practice empathy, and communicate effectively. Whether they're working together to construct a block tower or role-playing in a pretend kitchen, these interactions teach them to share, negotiate, and collaborate. Play also offers a safe space for children to express their emotions and practice self-regulation. By engaging in imaginative or cooperative activities, children explore the world around them while learning to understand their own feelings and those of others. This foundational development supports healthy relationships and builds emotional resilience as they grow.
What’s your experience with play-based learning? Parents, do you notice your child learning through play at home? Teachers, how do you incorporate play-based learning into your classroom routines? Do you think schools should prioritize play-based learning for young learners? I’d love to hear your thoughts—please share them in the comments below!
Resources
Gaudreau, C., Golinkoff, R. M., Hirsh-Pasek, K., & Zosh, J. M. (2022). The power of playful learning in the early childhood setting. NAEYC.
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