In Australia, play-based learning is central to early childhood education. This approach is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework and the National Quality Standard, both of which emphasise the importance of play and exploration in a child’s learning journey.
Play is one of the most critical ways for a child’s growth and development. It goes without saying that playing is fun for children, but did you know it can shape the structural design of the brain? Research supports play-based learning as a key element for optimising children’s brain development.
Play doesn’t just enhance one area of a child’s development, but provides a wonderful starting point for a holistic approach to early learning experience. Play supports physical, cognitive, social and emotional development, as well as literacy and numeracy skills. Here’s how play helps in each of these areas:
Moving the body, working on those fine and gross motor skills are key parts of a child’s growth from birth. Play encourages physical development by helping kids explore their surroundings and discover what they can do. Whether it’s running, climbing, dressing dolls, stringing beads – these fun activities all help build important physical skills.
Play also boosts thinking skills like paying attention, developing memory and recall, problem-solving skills. Through games and adventures, children can learn about colours, shapes, and letters, which helps their overall understanding and can improve their reading and math skills.
Play encourages children (and adults!) to use their imaginations. When kids take on different roles and explore various characters, they practice important social skills such as negotiation when you want to have a turn or working together for a game to work.
Self-esteem can be built through play too, as children feel proud when they achieve their goals. They also learn resilience by realising that it’s okay to make mistakes and keep trying.
Using the benefits of learning through play helps children grow and develop in a way that matches their natural interests. When kids engage in activities they enjoy, they get more out of their learning experiences. Here are some key advantages of incorporating play into learning:
When creating your activity plan, include a mix of physical play, sensory experiences, outdoor activities, role play, unstructured play, creative play and toy-based play. This balanced approach will provide a well-rounded experience for children.
Our Early Childhood Education and Care courses can help you develop a thoughtful play-based learning plan for kids.
Dive into the world of child development with our CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS Course Code: 107130A),
This course covers the fundamentals of early childhood education and care for children of all ages. You’ll learn how to create a safe and nurturing environment where kids can learn and play. Plus, you’ll explore approved learning frameworks that help you build positive relationships with children.
Do you dream of owning a family daycare centre, or running and managing a childcare centre?
Start your journey by getting qualified. Our CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS Course Code: 107131M) not only includes practical placements but also teaches you the skills needed to lead a team of childcare educators, achieve accreditation, meet licensing requirements, and successfully manage a childcare centre.
Our childcare courses, offered at our Brisbane, Parramatta and Adelaide campuses, blend hands-on training with in-depth classroom learning. This combination prepares you to become a well-rounded childcare professionals, ready to kickstart your career.
Curious about our childcare courses? Get in touch!