You may have heard about children learning through play and wondered what that really means. Can playing with a pretend kitchen, a few balls, or a set of blocks actually teach them something? In this article, we’ll explore exactly what play-based learning is, how to incorporate it at home, and fun play activities you can weave into your everyday routine.

What is play-based learning?

“Play-based learning means letting children learn through play,” explains Jennifer Gillette, MA, Child Development and Behavior and Parenting specialist at Summer Health. In play-based learning, the activities are guided by the child’s interests and imagination rather than a strict lesson plan. 

Play involves children in the learning process and allows them to actively participate without the pressure of formal teaching and instruction. Whether they’re building a tower of blocks, creating an elaborate pretend world, or experimenting with art materials, children are practicing essential skills like problem-solving, communication, and creativity, as well as developing curiosity, imagination, and self-regulation.

At what age can you start play-based learning?

You can start incorporating play-based learning with children as young as infants. “Babies learn through touching, looking, listening, and mouthing things—that’s their first form of play,” explains Gillette. “As babies grow into toddlers and preschoolers, their ability to engage in more complex, imaginative, and social play grows, making play-based learning even more powerful.”

Elements of play-based learning

Play-based learning can take many forms, but these core elements help create an environment that fosters children to explore, grow, and thrive.

• Open-ended play: Toys and materials that do not have a definitive way of using them. Toys like blocks, dress-up clothes, or things like cardboard boxes or pieces of fabric don’t come with instructions or rules. These items are open-ended in that they are open for interpretation and there is no “right” way to use them.

• Child-led play: Instead of a caregiver or teacher leading playtime, the child decides what to play, how to play, and for how long. This type of play builds autonomy, decision-making skills, and fosters curiosity.

• Supportive guidance: Instead of hovering or directing every move, adults observe and join in only when it feels natural. They might ask open-ended questions, introduce a new activity, or suggest a new idea—without “taking over” the play.

• Cooperative play: Toys or activities that encourage kids to discover new things and build on their curiosity, like sensory bins or nature walks.

• Imaginative play: Encouraging children to use their imagination, like pretending to be a doctor, chef, or superhero. This helps kids practice social skills such as cooperation, empathy, and sharing.

• Physical activity: Running, jumping, climbing, and other active play build coordination, balance, and physical confidence, while also helping kids release energy.  

Benefits of play-based learning 

Through playful experiences, children develop essential skills in a natural and engaging way. For many parents, this can be especially helpful because it allows them to begin supporting their child’s learning at home before preschool or daycare, or if they choose to delay formal schooling.

• Supports brain development: “Play builds neural connections, especially in the areas of executive function, memory, and language,” explains Gillette. These early brain connections lay the foundation for problem-solving, decision-making, and effective communication later in life.

• Fosters social and emotional skills: When playing with siblings or friends, kids learn collaboration, sharing, conflict resolution, and empathy. These interactions help them understand others’ perspectives, manage emotions, and build healthy relationships.

• Encourages creativity and imagination: Open-ended play allows children to think differently and come up with original ideas.

• Builds communication and language: Conversations that happen during play, like narrating a pretend scenario, expands vocabulary, improves sentence structure, and strengthens overall communication skills.

• Promotes problem-solving and critical thinking: Play challenges children to think creatively, adapt to new situations, and develop cognitive flexibility.

• Improves fine and gross motor skills: Handling small objects (like threading beads) or engaging in active play improves physical development and confidence. 

How can you encourage play-based learning at home?

Not sure where to begin? Here are some simple ways to nurture play-based learning in your own home:

• Create a play-based learning environment: Set up a cozy corner filled with a variety of open-ended toys and materials that spark creativity and imagination.

• Follow their lead: Allow your child to choose what to play and how to play it, without trying to control the experience.

• Ask open-ended questions: Ask questions that encourage deeper thinking instead of one-word responses, like “What are you making?” or “What happens if we try this?”

• Time: Give your child uninterrupted, unstructured playtime to explore and immerse themselves fully.

• Rotate toys: Instead of leaving all the toys out at once, regularly switch what’s available to keep playtime fresh and exciting.

• Be a play partner: Occasionally jump in to share ideas and build connections.

Challenges of play-based learning

Play-based learning sometimes faces misunderstandings, with some adults viewing it as “not real learning” and favoring more traditional academic instruction. Additionally, the mess and noise that often come with active play can be challenging for caregivers (especially in smaller spaces) who appreciate cleanliness and order. Additionally, it can be tricky to find the right balance between giving children freedom to explore and knowing when to step in.

Examples of play-based learning 

There are countless ways to bring play-based learning into everyday life. Here are some examples:

• Build with blocks or LEGO 

• Set up a pretend grocery store or kitchen

• Create sensory bins with rice, water, or sand 

• Go on nature walks or scavenger hunts

• Encourage dress-up and role play

• Play with playdough or clay

• Make an obstacle course or build a pillow fort 

• Set up an art station with crayons, scissors, and glue

• Put on a puppet show 

• Dancing 

If you have questions about play-based learning, reach out to your local or Summer Health pediatrician for support. Summer Health is a pediatric telehealth platform offering 24/7 care, providing answers for everything from urgent concerns to everyday questions about your child’s health.