Play and Learning!

Science tells us that the most important period of development occurs between the ages of 0 to 5. This is because during this primal time, the brain of the child is developing and forming strong neural connections. These connections are built through early learning experiences and stimulations, such as play opportunities and one to one interaction with a responsive adult.

Children learn and develop life skills through everyday opportunities, and this is as simple as daily routines, play opportunities and interactions.

“Whether you are tidying up, getting dressed, going shopping or preparing a meal, you can find valuable learning possibilities for your child everywhere you look.” (Education Scotland 2012)

Play is one of the most important ways children learn and develop. Through play children gain knowledge through hands on experiences and develop motor, cognitive and social and emotional skills too! Play opportunities encourages children to explore their interests and ideas and practice what they have learned. Play also promotes agency by allowing children to become active and in control of their learning journeys.

“By choosing to play with the things they like to do, children actually develop skills in all areas of development: intellectual, social, emotional and physical.” (Unicef & Lego Foundation in “Learning through Play” 2018)

As parents, carers, and professionals our role is to support and scaffold children’s learning. This can be done by realizing their potential, giving them time to try things on their own and try again, sharing our knowledge and experiences through guidance and encouragement until they can master the skills alone.

Aline Stambuk - Excellence and Equity Practitioner

For more information go to:

Center on the Developing Child - Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University

Every day is a Learning day 0-3 Every Day's a Learning Day (birth to 3 years) (education.gov.scot)

Every day is a Learning day 3-6 Every Day's a Learning Day (3 to 6 years) (education.gov.scot)

Learning through Play Unicef UNICEF-Lego-Foundation-Learning-through-Play.pdf