What is Play-Based Learning?
Play-based learning is an educational approach that integrates purposeful play with intentional teaching to support children’s development across all domains; cognitive, physical, social, and emotional. It is grounded in decades of early childhood research that highlights play as the foundation of learning.
According to the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC), play-based learning is “a child-centred pedagogical approach that builds upon children’s natural inclination to make sense of their world through play.” This framework positions play as an essential context for development rather than a separate activity from learning. It empowers children to explore, experiment, problem-solve, and express themselves freely while educators act as intentional facilitators—observing, documenting, and extending learning through inquiry and meaningful interaction.
Research consistently reinforces that play is central to learning, not an interruption of it. Hirsh-Pasek and Golinkoff (2016), in their work on “playful learning,” demonstrate that play supports the development of cognitive flexibility, executive function, and social-emotional skills—key predictors of later academic success. Their research emphasizes that when children engage in guided play, where adults thoughtfully scaffold experiences without directing outcomes, they demonstrate stronger retention of concepts and deeper understanding.
Similarly, UNICEF’s (2018) Learning Through Play framework highlights that play is a powerful driver of holistic development across domains—intellectual, physical, social, and emotional. The report notes that play fosters creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking—the “four Cs” identified as essential 21st-century competencies. Through inquiry, creativity, and collaboration, children learn to make connections, test hypotheses, and construct meaning from experience.
Together, these findings underscore that play is not a pause in learning it is the process of learning itself. When educators value play as both a teaching method and a child’s natural language of discovery, they create environments where curiosity thrives, confidence grows, and lifelong learning begins.
Why Play Matters for Children’s Development
Play is how children make sense of their world. It promotes:
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Cognitive growth: Play encourages problem-solving, memory development, and reasoning. Children test hypotheses, explore cause and effect, and strengthen executive functioning.
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Social and emotional skills: Through play, children practise sharing, negotiation, empathy, and conflict resolution—key components of social-emotional learning (SEL).
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Language and communication: As they role-play, ask questions, and collaborate, children expand their vocabulary and expressive language skills.
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Physical development: Active play strengthens fine and gross motor skills while supporting coordination and confidence.
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Creative and critical thinking: Play allows for open-ended exploration, innovation, and flexible thinking—skills essential in 21st-century learning.
Studies by Siraj-Blatchford et al. (2002) and Pyle & Danniels (2017) show that when educators intentionally support play, it becomes a powerful bridge between child-led curiosity and curriculum outcomes.
The Child’s Role in Play-Based Learning
Children are not passive participants in play; they are active constructors of knowledge. In a play-based environment, children lead their learning through exploration, inquiry, and discovery.
Inquiry and Curiosity
Children naturally question the world around them. They ask “What happens if…?” and “Why does this work?” This curiosity drives investigation and deepens their understanding of scientific, mathematical, and social concepts through hands-on experience.
Creativity and Expression
Through storytelling, dramatic play, or art, children express their thoughts, emotions, and identities. They create meaning, explore possibilities, and represent their world in imaginative ways.
Problem-Solving and Experimentation
Children engage in critical thinking by planning, testing, and revising their ideas—whether they are building towers, creating habitats in the sandbox, or organizing pretend play scenarios.
Social Collaboration
Play allows children to negotiate, cooperate, and navigate group dynamics. They learn empathy by listening to others’ ideas and understanding different perspectives.
Self-Regulation and Confidence
As children take risks, manage frustration, and celebrate success, they build confidence and resilience. Play empowers them to make decisions and learn from mistakes in a safe, supportive environment.
In essence, the child’s role is to be curious, engaged, and imaginative using play to explore how the world works while developing the foundational skills for lifelong learning.
The Educator’s Role in Play-Based Learning
Educators play an essential role in scaffolding and extending learning during play. They balance child-led exploration with intentional teaching, creating environments that invite curiosity and deepen understanding.
Observation and Understanding
Educators carefully observe children’s play to identify their interests, strengths, and developmental needs. These observations help teachers design experiences that are both meaningful and challenging.
Intentional Questioning
By asking open-ended questions such as “What do you think will happen next?” or “How can we solve this problem together?”, educators encourage children to think critically and articulate their ideas. This type of inquiry-based dialogue promotes reflection and reasoning.
Creating Rich Play Environments
Teachers curate environments with loose parts, natural materials, and open-ended resources that spark investigation. These materials encourage exploration, creativity, and STEM thinking as children manipulate, construct, and experiment.
Co-Playing and Modelling
Educators join children in play as co-learners sometimes stepping back to observe, other times stepping in to extend the experience. They model curiosity, collaboration, and language while respecting children’s autonomy.
Documentation and Reflection
Through photos, journals, and shared stories, educators document children’s learning processes. This reflection helps make learning visible to children, parents, and peers, reinforcing the connection between play and learning outcomes.
Why Both Roles Are Essential
Play-based learning thrives on collaboration between children and educators. Children bring curiosity, imagination, and inquiry; educators bring knowledge, intentionality, and structure. Together, they create a dynamic partnership that fuels discovery.
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The child leads the exploration asking questions, testing ideas, and learning through trial and error.
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The educator observes, supports, and extends that learning by connecting play experiences to broader developmental and curricular goals.
Research from The Ontario Ministry of Education’s “How Does Learning Happen?” (2014) emphasizes that this relationship is at the heart of quality early learning environments. It states:
“Educators are partners in play who engage with children as co-learners, guiding their thinking and supporting their natural curiosity.”
This shared approach builds a strong foundation for academic readiness, emotional intelligence, and lifelong learning.
Bringing Play-Based Learning to Life
When classrooms and outdoor spaces embrace play as a learning vehicle, children experience joy and wonder. A play-based classroom might include:
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A dramatic play area for storytelling and social role play.
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STEM provocations with blocks, ramps, and natural materials.
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A sensory table for science and math exploration.
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A nature corner with magnifiers and leaves for observation.
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Quiet spaces for reflection, reading, or art.
Each element encourages inquiry, collaboration, and reflection; key ingredients of early childhood development.
Play-based learning bridges the best of both worlds: the child’s innate curiosity and the educator’s professional guidance. It empowers children to be thinkers, problem-solvers, and explorers while allowing educators to nurture and extend learning through intentional, inquiry-driven practices.
When we value play, we honour children’s natural way of learning and in doing so, we cultivate confident, capable, and curious learners ready to thrive in an ever-changing world.