Importance of Play-Based Learning for Early Childhood Development

The early childhood days are crucial as it is the prime time for brain development. Here, play-based learning can be an ideal activity as it allows a child to organize and make sense of their surroundings. These learnings support, encourage, and stimulate a child in developing their cognitive abilities and building their communication skills. 

Read more about the importance of play-based learning in early childhood development.

What is the Importance of Play-Based Learning?

Some of the best kindergartens in Riyadh focus on play-based learning modules as they engage children in various fun activities while helping improve their concentration. Here is the importance of play-based learning:

1. Develops Language and Literacy

Play-based learning develops a child’s literacy and language skills by encouraging their conversations to happen naturally. While playing, they engage in different communication forms – storytelling, goal sharing, and discussing. 

2. Brings a Positive Attitude

There are many times during play-based learning when a child loses or wins, but since in the end, they are learning something or the other it is a gain in every situation. This develops a positive attitude among children that losing is not always bad. 

3. Builds Social and Emotional Skills

Play-based learning builds your child’s social and emotional skills as they are able to build relationships with peers. As your kids play together, they learn to get along with one another, communicate and cooperate effectively. They also learn to recognize their emotions and learn about empathy. 

4. Develops Motor Skills

This unique learning method develops your kid’s motor skills through activities like – climbing, running, jumping, and throwing. They also engage in drawing, building, and painting, polishing their finer motor skills. It improves body balance and helps in hand-eye coordination. 

5. Builds Confidence and a Positive Approach

One of the most significant benefits of this type of learning is it builds your child’s confidence levels. As your kid becomes confident, they can try new things and take risks. They become interested and engaged in what they love to learn. 

What to Look for in a Play-Based Schedule?

Before allowing your child in a play-based program, you must know the skills which it instills in your child. This helps in choosing the correct program. Riyadh best schools explain the things to determine in a play-based program:

  • Understand how educators incorporate kids’ interests into their learning.
  • Ask whether the kindergarten provides individual and group play.
  • Ensure that there is space for children to decide on their games and activities every day.
  • Ask if these programs have long periods of playing or short ones.
  • Check if the school has outdoor and indoor playing areas for kids.
  • Check if the rooms are spacious and have enough materials – dramatic corners or sensory play areas.

What are the Important Elements of Play-Based Learning?

This learning system comes with some crucial elements that you must understand before considering one for your child:

  • Fun: Games are to be enjoyed, so you must never force them to do certain activities.
  • Self-direction: Your child should choose what they love to play and how they want to play. You can accompany, supervise and suggest ideas.
  • Explore Interests: Allow your child to explore more and more activities that interest them. 

Some of the best kindergartens in Riyadh teach students how to resolve complex issues and conflicts through play-based learning modules. 

Instructors ask questions and introduce new words and concepts to them as they learn to use these accordingly during conversations and day-to-day activities. It stimulates their curiosity and makes them aware of the world around them.