Create an environment where young learners thrive and build foundational skills for the future through play. In this blog, we’ll explore why play matters, the developmental benefits it fosters, and real-world strategies teachers can use to observe and support play in their classrooms.
In early childhood education, play isn’t just a break from structured learning—it is learning. Through movement and play, young children build foundational skills in language, math, executive functioning, and social development in early childhood. With this knowledge, educators are called to intentionally integrate play-based learning; they create an engaging environment where children thrive.
Play serves as a dynamic tool that enhances multiple domains of learning and development. When children engage in meaningful play, they develop critical skills that extend far beyond the classroom, contributing significantly to social emotional development in early childhood. During the early years, physical and sensory experiences allow the brain to record information that builds each child’s individual understanding of the world. Play and physical activities help create the cognitive wiring that will support young children in learning to read, holding a pencil, tackling math problem, playing instrument, and acquiring many other skills in the areas of cognitive, language, social, and physical development (Connell, Pirie & McCarthy, 2014).
In all its forms, language enhances learning through movement by stimulating the brain to transform concrete experiences into new concepts and, ultimately, abstract thinking (Connell, Pirie & McCarthy, 2014).
Play provides natural opportunities for children to develop vocabulary, storytelling abilities, and communication skills. Activities like dramatic play, puppet storytelling, and pretend scenarios encourage children to express themselves, negotiate roles, and build narrative structures (Bodrova & Leong, 2007).
Purposeful Play Classroom Example: An early childhood teacher sets up a “Pretend Post Office,” where children write letters, “mail” them, and role-play as postal workers, reinforcing letter recognition, writing practice, and conversational skills.
Play-based experiences introduce foundational math concepts in an engaging, hands-on way. Sorting, pattern-making, and spatial reasoning games help children internalize mathematical principles in a fun, pressure-free environment (Ginsburg., Lee & Boyd 2008).
Purposeful Play Classroom Example: Using loose parts to play with beads, feathers, buttons, or leaves, for example, children group items by color, size, or shape, strengthening classification skills and early numeracy.
One way to develop executive function skills, such as self-control, planning, and problem-solving, is through structured and unstructured play. This can include games that require children to follow rules, make decisions, and adjust strategies to improve their ability to focus, regulate emotions, and manage tasks (Ginsburg., Lee & Boyd 2008).
Purposeful Play Classroom Example: A teacher creates a “Treasure Hunt,” providing simple maps that children must interpret and follow. This fosters planning, working memory, and flexible thinking as they navigate to their goal.
Through collaborative play, children practice sharing, cooperation, and conflict resolution. Role-playing scenarios, group games, and open-ended activities encourage children to navigate social interactions and develop empathy (Vygotsky, 1978).
Purposeful Play Classroom Example: A teacher sets up a “Collaborative Construction Zone” where children build together using blocks. Assigning roles such as architect, builder, or materials manager encourages teamwork and communication.
For educators, observing play is key to understanding a child’s learning process. Teachers can identify what children are practicing, document growth, and offer subtle support to extend learning without disrupting the flow of play.
Understanding the power of play and movement allows educators to intentionally design environments that maximize learning opportunities. By incorporating open-ended materials, setting up interactive learning zones, and observing play with purpose, teachers can ensure that every playful moment contributes to cognitive, social, language, and physical growth.
Try these tips for play based learning and see how the magic of movement in play transforms early learning into a rich, dynamic experience.
The research is clear. By recognizing and supporting the developmental benefits of play, educators empower children to build essential skills that will serve them for a lifetime. Commit to purposeful play by revisiting a past classroom activity and adjusting it to incorporate intentional play-based learning. Reflect on how you can enhance engagement, foster social and emotional development in early childhood, and provide meaningful opportunities for skill-building. To keep strong instruction alive, share your revised activities with a colleague or in an educator forum to inspire others!
Bodrova, E. & Leong, D. J. (2007). Tools of the Mind: The Vygotskian Approach to Early Childhood Education. Pearson.
Connell, Pirie, McCarthy (2014) Move, Play and Learn with Smart Steps. Free Spirit Publishing.
Ginsburg, H. P., Lee, J. S. & Boyd, J. S. (2008). Mathematics Learning in Early Childhood: Paths Toward Excellence and Equity. National Research Council.
Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press.