For a long time, many people thought learning had to be serious and teacher-led—while play was seen as just a break or distraction. But research now shows this is a false choice. Instead, learning happens best when it feels like play: full of curiosity, creativity, and choice. This is called playful learning.
Play isn’t just one thing—it happens in many ways. Kids might play alone, with friends, pretend, build, or follow simple rules in games. All these types of play help children learn important skills like thinking, sharing, and understanding the world. When teachers and adults gently guide play, children learn even more. For example, a teacher might set up a fun “weather report” game that helps kids explore new words and ideas—without taking away their freedom to explore.
In fact, studies show that kids learn more vocabulary and problem-solving skills during guided play than during free play alone or traditional lessons. Guided play lets children lead the way but also adds just enough support to help them reach learning goals.
Why This Matters
Understanding that play and learning are connected can take pressure off families and teachers who worry about “doing it right.” When children get to explore and make choices, they feel excited and confident about learning. This kind of joyful engagement supports not only academic skills like reading and math but also social and emotional growth. Plus, play is a right for every child—no matter their background or abilities.
Try This at Home
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Create Playful Learning Moments: Use everyday objects to set up simple, fun activities. For example, building with blocks can become a chance to explore shapes and patterns.
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Join Your Child’s Play as a Guide: Instead of telling your child exactly what to do, ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think will happen if we add this block here?” or “How can we make this story even more exciting?”
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Use Stories and Culture to Spark Play: Read books that reflect your family’s culture or traditions, and invite your child to act out scenes or create related crafts and games.
Did you know?
Research shows children learn better when they’re actively engaged and having fun—because joy fuels creativity and memory!
Excerpt adapted from Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth Through Age 8, Fourth Edition (NAEYC, 2022), with key ideas based on research by Hirsh-Pasek & Golinkoff (2008), Zosh et al. (2018), and related studies on playful learning.