The concept of play-based learning refers to a method of learning that is centered around play. This type of learning has many benefits for children, as it helps them to develop important skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.
Modern learning centres and schools are increasingly incorporating play-based learning into their curriculum, as research has shown that it is an effective way to teach children. By providing a play-based learning environment, these schools allow children to develop important skills such as language, literacy, numeracy, and parents can choose from a variety of play-based learning programs for their children.
Types of Play
Play-based learning may use the same types of games you experienced when you were young. During play, a child’s mind is stimulated and prepared for higher thinking. It allows them to exercise neuroplasticity and prepares them for the future. Additionally, as they exert more physical activity, their bodies will also become more physically fit.
Here are the common types of play observed in children which help their cognitive development:
Open-ended Play
This type of play is child-directed and has no specific goal or outcome. It gives children the chance to be imaginative. These plays are meant to have no certain goal, allowing children to develop their creativity.
By allowing this, you will also know the potential of your child. This allows them to be in a creative zone and lets them express their ideas in a directed object and setting.
Examples of open-ended play include:
- building with blocks
- painting
- role playing
Enquiry Play
Through this type of play, children can explore and question their environment, particularly how it works, which helps them to develop critical thinking skills.
These types of play make children ask questions with the typical whys and hows. The questions can be something like “why do magnets stick together?” or “how do birds fly?”. This type of play sets up a child’s foundational knowledge of worldly things.
Examples of enquiry play include:
- playing with items like magnets
- experimenting with different materials
- asking questions about how things work
Cooperative Play
The cooperative type of playful learning involves children working together to reach a certain goal. It helps them to develop their communication skills through socialising and teamwork.
Examples of cooperative play include:
- playing games together
- building things together
- working on a puzzle together
Types of Play in Early Childhood
The observed play methods during childhood is where early signs of cognitive development, problem-solving skills, and language development begin. These can also be a helpful prerequisite for effective academic learning.
Below are some of the play methods seen in early childhood:
Dramatic
This type of play involves children using their imagination to create imaginary worlds and characters. Engaging in this kind of play helps them to become creative and communicative.
Examples of dramatic play include:
- playing with dolls or toys
- acting out stories
- dressing up in costumes
Fantasy
Fantasy games allow children to use their imagination to create different kinds of imagery and stories. It helps them improve their abilities to think critically and solve problems that they encounter during play.
Examples of fantasy play include:
- being superheroes
- playing shopping
- pretend tea parties
Exploratory
This type of play makes children explore and discover their environment. It helps them develop physical skills, sensory skills, as well as solve problems. This can also further hone their cognitive development.
Children develop their sensory skills as they start to discover new things through their senses. Exploring their surroundings also develops their reflexes and physical movement as they run around or crawl and peek over things.
Examples of exploratory play include:
- touching different textures
- climbing on playground equipment
- digging in the sand
Types of Play-based Learning
With all the different kinds of play mentioned above, a structure needs to be put in place to be able to apply this to a learning environment, and to be able to maximise learning for children.
Here are the play-based learning types that are used currently in schools:
Indoor Play
Indoor play can be a great alternative when the outdoors is unavailable. It is also the best when you are still supervising their first play-based learning since it will be relatively safer than outside. This type of play-based learning takes place inside a classroom or learning centre which usually involves a mix of play and structured activities.
Examples of indoor play-based learning activities include:
- playing with blocks
- board games
- playing with others
Outdoor Play
This type of play-based learning takes place outside in a natural scenario. It usually involves more physical activities such as running and climbing.
Examples of outdoor play-based learning activities include:
- climbing bars and poles
- cycling
- running tag
Imaginative Play
Imaginative play-based learning allows children to use their creativity and be inventive. It usually involves playing dress-up, make-believe stories, and role-playing.
Examples of imaginative play activities include:
- acting out stories
- dressing up in costumes
- playing pretend with toys
Structured Play
This play-based learning is more structured and has specific goals as compared to the other learning methods. It usually involves activities that are designed to teach children specific skills like mathematical concepts and problem solving.
Examples of structured play-based learning activities include:
- playing matching games
- working on puzzles
- building with blocks
Free Play
This type of playful learning, as the name suggests, has no specific structure or goal. It allows children to play freely and explore their environment by their own rules. This method of learning can include artistic activities that aid their motor skills and social skills.
Examples of free play activities include:
- exploring the playground
- digging in the sand
- musical instruments
Playdates
Playdates is a fun play-based activity which involves children playing together in a social setting. This kind of play helps children develop their communication skills and teamwork. It also teaches them to socialise and eventually be able to make friends.
Examples of playdate activities include:
- playing games together
- building something together
- painting together
Benefits of play-based learning
Play-based programs can give your child the opportunity to create positive relationships with other children or even adults whom they socialise with, which will enhance their cognitive ability. This type of learning provides a stepping stone for children in preparation for their future, which can also help make primary school easier.
Here are some of the positive effects that your children can experience with play-based learning:
Essential for children’s development
Play-based learning can play an integral part in your child’s growth. It will develop numerous brain functions and potentially help them in future situations such as academic development, literacy development, social development, and emotional development.
Helps them learn new skills
Skills such as critical thinking and creativity can be enhanced through play-based learning. These are important in your child’s development as they prepare to go to a big school.
Teaches them how to interact with others
Interacting with others is an important social skill in children that play-based learning can help them learn. It will allow them to become more expressive toward their peers and also toward teachers and parents. This will help children in their future relationships.
Strengthens their cognitive skills
Your child will recognise patterns while they play which can help them remember things better and improve their cognitive skills. Learning will become easier for them.
Encourages physical activity
It is no question that your child will be more active when they play which is important for their physical health. This can be beneficial in keeping your child healthy and helping them prevent sickness.
Builds their vocabulary
Language will become more important to children as they play. Being able to enhance their language skills will help them learn new words and improve their communication skills.
Let them explore their creativity
Play makes your child become more expressive. They will be able to act out their ideas and emotions through play. This can also help them develop creativity which can be expressed through art, music, or writing.
Reduces Stress
Compared to the typical classroom, play-based learning is more relaxed. This can help your child feel less stressed and allow them to focus more on learning. Their emotional well-being will be improved in a play-based environment.
Let your child explore at Okinja ELC
Okinja ELC believes that play is essential for your child’s development. We provide play-based learning experiences for children. and our facilities and learning system offer the best learning environment opportunity for children. Contact us at admin@okinjaelc.com.au or 07 5479 2222 to learn more about our program and how we can help your child grow and develop through play!
