How Play Supports Your Childs Development

Did you know that play is the best way for your child to build vital physical, social, emotional and intellectual skills? Skills like problem-solving, creativity and social interaction? This is why play-based learning experiences form the basis of every early education program in Australia.

Play-based experiences include both structured and open-ended activities. Structured play is more guided and usually has specific rules or objectives. Open-ended play is more free-flowing and allows for more creative exploration. Both types of play are important for your child’s development.

Here’s how…

1. Play enables children to practice and develop new skills.

When children are engaged in play, they’re constantly trying out new things and exploring their environment. This experimentation is essential for helping children learn about the world around them. It also helps them hone their physical, cognitive and social skills. Through play, children learn how to communicate, solve problems and navigate their surroundings.

2. Play helps children learn how to regulate their emotions.

Emotional regulation is an important skill for children to develop. It allows them to cope with stress and manage their response to difficult situations. Play provides a safe space for children to practice emotional regulation. They can experiment with different ways of expressing themselves and handling powerful feelings, while having plenty of fun in the process!

3. Play fosters creativity and imagination.​

When children are free to play, they are free to imagine. Play allows children to create their own worlds and stories and to explore different roles and scenarios. This type of creative exploration is essential for developing problem-solving skills as well as critical and independent thinking.

4. Play promotes brain development.​

Research shows that play is the best way to promote brain growth and development in the crucial early years. Through play, children exercise their brains and bodies, which helps them develop new neural connections. This increased brain activity can lead to improved cognition, concentration, memory and executive functioning.

5. Play supports social and emotional development.

Play enables children to practice important social skills, such as cooperation, sharing and communication. They also learn how to resolve conflict and understand the emotions of others. These skills are essential for developing positive relationships and emotional intelligence.

Learning Ladder’s play-based educational programs

Play is a crucial part of your child’s life, helping them learn and grow in all areas of development. In Learning Ladder’s high-quality early learning centres, your child will experience success, joy and celebration as they play and explore their world in a safe and supportive environment. Our educators will tailor the program to your child’s unique interests, strengths and developmental needs, ensuring your child thrives.

We base our approach on the theory of ‘learning through play’, developed by Australian early childhood expert Kathy Walker. This theory combines intentional teaching with your child, influencing what and how they learn through exploration, problem-solving and risk-taking.