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Time of India
13 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Play-based learning: Why it works, 5 ways to apply it at home
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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What is an insulated prefabricated house and how much does it cost? (View) Prefabricated Homes View Deals Undo 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.
Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Homework without tears: 5 tips to support your child's education without pressure
Want kids to thrive at homework? 5 tips every struggling parent needs (Image Pexels) Homework does not have to be a battleground filled with tears and tension. It can be made into a source of confidence, independence and meaningful learning. The most powerful homework help involves holding the space, listening and guiding your child. When you support autonomy, encourage your child's effort and stay emotionally connected with your children, their homework can transform from a dreaded duty into a growth-generating experience. Children's stress may be unintentionally increased by excessive homework supervision by parents but fostering a sense of responsibility, without overwhelming them, and ensuring that communication is warm and empathetic, can help mitigate the negative emotional effects. To maintain children's mental health, it is essential to promote open dialogue regarding homework expectations. Here are 5 ways to support your child's homework journey, without turning it into a pressure cooker - 1. Swap control for autonomy support Research grounded in Self-Determination Theory shows that when parents are overly controlling, dictating every step of homework, which can weaken a child's intrinsic motivation, autonomy and competence. This often results in heightened anxiety and frustration. In contrast, "need-supportive" practices like offering rationale, patience and opportunities for choice enhance motivation, well-being and homework engagement. Tip: Instead of saying 'Do it my way,' try, 'Want to try solving it yourself first?' Such choices help kids feel capable and in control. 2. Encourage independence over dependence A 2017 study, Effects of Parent Involvement in Homework on Students' Negative Emotions in Chinese Students: Moderating Role of Parent–Child Communication and Mediating Role of Family Responsibility, highlights that autonomy-supportive involvement i.e. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo stepping in with hints or prompts as needed, boosts academic performance and engagement. Conversely, parenting that oversteps into control can reduce interest and hinder problem-solving skills. Stop micromanaging: 5 research-backed tips for empowering homework time (Image: Pexels) The key finding of the study was that parent involvement in homework is not inherently harmful but when wrapped in pressure and obligation, it can backfire. The antidote for this is to foster healthy parent–child dialogue and share responsibility in a balanced, compassionate way to protect your child's emotional landscape. Tip: Be a guide, not a director. Let your child lead and offer help only upon request or if they're visibly stuck. 3. Process, not perfection A 2018 study, Reciprocal Effects Among Parental Homework Support, Effort, and Achievement? An Empirical Investigation by Jianzhong Xu, Jianxia Du, Shengtian Wu, Hailey Ripple and Amanda Cosgriff, published in Frontiers in Psychology, explored how different types of parental homework support and students' effort influence each other, along with academic achievement over time. Specifically, the research tracked 336 9th-graders across two data collection waves. Here's how to raise homework warriors without yelling, nagging or tears (Image: Pexels) This study emphasized the power of autonomy-supportive involvement, encouraging children to take initiative and make their own learning choices, over direct intervention. Allowing children to try, struggle and grow on their own is clearly more beneficial for long-term academic success. For parents aiming to help with homework in ways that matter, the study asserted that fostering independence is the key. Tip: Rather than doing tasks for your child, guide thoughtfully. Ask questions like: 'What strategy might help?' or 'What do you think the teacher expects here?' These supportive nudges, not answers, cultivate resilience and lasting success. Encourage effort over correctness. Praise the process (how they tackled the problem) rather than just celebrating a perfect answer. 4. Let communication ease homework stress Chinese researchers examined how parent involvement in homework affects children's emotions. They found that high parental oversight correlates with increased negative emotions unless balanced with strong parent-child communication. When carried out in a warm, communicative environment, involvement can reduce stress and build emotional resilience. Tip: Before homework, check in with a light question like, 'What part do you think you'll find tricky?' Let empathy guide your involvement. 5. Create focussed yet flexible routines Beyond emotional support, creating a consistent and supportive homework environment is key. Research suggests that regular schedules help children settle into productivity while short brain breaks like stretching or jumping jacks, boost attention and decrease frustration. Thoughtfully timed independent work, as part of the 'gradual release of responsibility' model, allows children to continually build autonomy without feeling overwhelmed. In short, supporting without control, offering guidance instead of solutions and praising efforts where you focus on your child trying instead of their outcome, builds resilience and self-confidence in kids. Additionally, open communication where you talk, listen and empathise with your child, reduces stress and strengthens their trust, focus and emotional wellness to build independent learning over time.
