At YMCA Day Nursery, we recognise that children learn best when they are engaged and having fun. One of the best ways to ensure this is through play-based activities which allow them to explore, create, and use their imagination. Here are just some of the benefits and ways that your little ones can experience from play-based learning.
What is Play-Based Learning
At YMCA Day Nursery, we recognise that children learn best when they are engaged and having fun. One of the best ways to ensure this is through play-based activities which allow them to explore, create, and use their imagination. Here are just some of the benefits that your little ones can experience from play-based learning.
Benefits of Play-Based Learning
Boosts Social Skills and Confidence
Play-based learning boosts social skills by encouraging children to interact and cooperate with one another as they play. Through shared activities such as role-play, building blocks, and turn-based games, children naturally learn to communicate their ideas, listen to one another, and resolve disagreements. Such interactions can greatly develop their confidence throughout social situations.
Improves Cognitive Development
Engaging in playful activities can significantly enhance your little one’s cognitive development, by encouraging them to solve problems, and make autonomous decisions. Whether they’re arranging items by size and colour, learning the rules of a game, or trying to build a stable tower, they are constantly developing their memory, focus, and critical thinking skills.
Supports Physical Development
Participating in play activities is key for physical development and motor skills. Gross motor activities, like running, climbing, and jumping, support muscle development, balance, and overall coordination, whilst fine motor activities, such as drawing, threading beads, or building with small blocks, improves hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Promotes Emotion Regulation
Play-based learning activities give children the opportunity to experience, manage, and empathise with a range of emotions. From the joy of mastering a new skill, to the frustration of completing a difficult puzzle, there are so many ways for children to recognise, express, and learn to regulate their emotions, skills which they will carry with them through life.
Ways To Get Children Engaged With Child-Based Play
Encourage child-led play: Allow your child to take the lead in choosing activities and directing their play. This fosters independence and enthusiasm for activities that align with their interests.
Arrange playdates: Organising playdates with other children provides a great space for children to get stuck in with play-based learning as not only can it enhance social skills, but playing with someone else can often add more fun.
Get Involved: Why not join in with your child’s activities? Whether it’s building with blocks or pretending to be characters in a story, participating in play activities strengthens your bond and sets the example that learning is fun.
By following these simple tips and ideas, you can incorporate play-based learning into your child’s daily routine, allowing them to develop life long skills and curiosity.
Book A Tour
Book in for a Nursery Tour with Ian and Emma. Have a look around and see how we can help your child thrive.