Play-based learning: Why it works, 5 ways to apply it at home

Time of India

4 days ago

5 playful parenting hacks that science says builds stronger kids (Image: TOI)
They say, "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" and decades of research supports the same as play is not only essential for children's growth but is also considered one of the most efficient methods of education.
Who would have thought that "just playing" might appear to be a luxury for children in today's fast-paced times where screens frequently dominate and academic pressures rise. According to experts, play-based education encourages creativity, problem-solving, social skills and emotional resilience that are necessary for success throughout one's life.
Why play-based education is effective
Play is the child's natural language and research shows that when kids play, their brains are at their best for learning. The LEGO Foundation and ISSA highlight that 'when kids are playing, their brains are in prime learning mode' thanks to dopamine, the brain's pleasure chemical, which reinforces attention, memory and problem-solving abilities. Far from being frivolous, pretend play stimulates cognitive growth by encouraging children to explore different roles, imagine 'what-if' scenarios and develop self-regulation and language skills (
LEGO Foundation and ISSA, 2022
).
Want your children to build executive functions like decision-making and flexibility? A study by Jianzhong Xu and colleagues, which was published in
Frontiers in Psychology
in 2018, emphasized that play-based learning does exactly that, especially when guided by gentle adult support. Both academic success and emotional well-being depend on these. The research showed that children who engaged in playful learning environments not only performed better academically but also displayed greater motivation and persistence.
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Unlock your child's potential with these research-backed fun learning tips (Image: TOI)
This is because when children engage in play, they are naturally in control of their activities, deciding how to interact with toys, materials or peers and this nurtures critical thinking, creativity and resilience. The study found that just as parents are encouraged to guide their children rather than dictate their homework, play-based learning invites adults to scaffold rather than lead, allowing children to encounter challenges and work through them with encouragement, not pressure.
It validated that when children have space to try, struggle and grow, whether through play or learning activities, they develop stronger cognitive and emotional skills. This is why play-based learning is not just 'fun and games', it is a powerful educational approach that builds the foundation for independent, confident learners.
Tips to apply play-based learning at home
Play-based education does not necessitate expensive toys or prearranged lessons.
It is about creating an environment where imagination and curiosity can naturally thrive.
1. Encourage child-led, unstructured play
Without strict guidelines or objectives, let your child direct playtime. As per the LEGO Foundation, unstructured play allows children to explore at their own pace and pursue their interests, resulting in greater engagement and creativity. To inspire imaginative scenarios, make play kits with straightforward props like blocks, dress-up clothes and art supplies.
2. Be a passionate sidekick rather than a director
According to
The Relation between Teachers' and Children's Playfulness: A Pilot Study
conducted by Shulamit Pinchover in 2017, it was established that adults' playfulness (where they are being spontaneous, silly and present) directly inspires children to play and be open to exploration. So, join your child in their world with genuine enthusiasm but avoid taking over. Supporting and scaffolding their learning, not directing it, is your responsibility.
2. Integrate learning into everyday activities
Simple daily tasks like cooking or gardening can be transformative learning experiences. For example, measuring ingredients while baking introduces math concepts like fractions and sequencing, all wrapped in fun and meaningful context (
Interactive Environments for Training Children's Curiosity Through Metacognitive Skills: A Pilot Study by Abdelghani, R., Law, E., Desvaux, C., Oudeyer, P.-Y. and Sauzéon, H. in 2024
).
The gap between play and real-world skills is filled by this.
4. Make use of interactive tools to pique interest
According to the pilot study conducted by Rania Abdelghani and colleagues in 2024, teaching metacognitive skills to children through animated videos and interactive activities help them ask more intelligent questions and increase their level of curiosity. By asking open-ended questions like, "What do you wonder about today?" at home, you can encourage this or "What would it be if you could invent something?"
5. Balance play with gentle guidance
Play-based learning is most effective when children feel safe and supported so, the key is to provide enough structure to encourage their progress without stifling their creativity.
This balance helps children build confidence to try new things, take risks and learn from their mistakes.
Kids saw more academic growth due to this parenting style (Image credits: Getty Images)
Play is learning, not merely a break from it. It shapes children's minds, develops important skills and instils a lifelong passion for discovery. Parents can raise resilient, curious and capable children who are ready to thrive in and out of the classroom by encouraging play-based learning at home. The key is not to force academic drills; rather, it is to create joyful, playful experiences that make learning meaningful and enjoyable.
So, the next time you see your child lost in play, keep in mind that they are laying the groundwork for a successful future.