Learning Through Play: The Power of Play-Based Learning in Early Years
From the moment babies begin to observe faces and respond to familiar voices, they’re learning. But what is learning through play, and why is it such a powerful tool in early childhood development?
At My Ohana, we believe learning through play lays the foundation for a lifetime of curiosity, confidence, and social connection. Our play-based learning approach supports children's cognitive, emotional, and physical development in ways that are natural, engaging, and age-appropriate.
Whether it's singing a nursery rhyme, exploring the garden, or acting out a story with friends, every moment of play is packed with opportunities for growth.
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What is Play-Based Learning?
So, what is play-based learning exactly?
In simple terms, it’s an approach to early years education that uses play as the primary method for learning. Rather than formal classroom teaching, children are encouraged to explore their interests, make choices, and interact with the world around them through playful experiences.
Play-based learning can include both child-initiated and adult-guided activities, from role-playing in a pretend shop to sorting coloured blocks or exploring textures with sensory trays. At My Ohana, we balance both types to support holistic development in a nurturing, fun-filled environment.
You can read more about how imaginative play supports development in our blog on The Importance of Role Play in Early Years.
Learning Through Play Benefits
The benefits of learning through play in the early years are vast, ranging from enhanced communication skills to improved problem-solving abilities.
Here are just a few reasons why we champion a play-based learning model at My Ohana:
Supports social development: Children learn to share, collaborate, and resolve conflict during group play, building key social and emotional skills.
Encourages creativity and imagination: Open-ended play sparks children’s imaginations, helping them express themselves and explore new ideas.
Improves language and communication: Through conversation and storytelling, children expand their vocabulary and begin to understand language in real-life contexts.
Boosts confidence and independence: Making choices and solving problems through play helps children feel capable and confident.
Enhances physical development: Activities like climbing, running, or building with blocks promote gross and fine motor skills.
Play-based learning also creates a positive attitude towards education - children associate learning with fun, making them more likely to stay engaged as they grow.
For more insights into how we nurture the whole child at My Ohana, visit our blog on Holistic Child Development.
Learning Through Play Examples
We see the benefits of learning through play every day in our nurseries. Here are just a few examples of how play supports early years learning at My Ohana:
Music and movement: From action songs to dance sessions, music plays a big role in developing coordination, memory, and emotional expression. Discover more in our post on Music and Child Development.
Outdoor exploration: Whether it's searching for bugs in summer, jumping in puddles, or planting seeds, nature-based play supports curiosity and sensory development.
Creative play: Painting, building with blocks, dressing up - creative activities help children develop problem-solving skills and emotional expression.
Role play: Pretend play, like cooking in a play kitchen or being a vet, allows children to explore real-world concepts and practise communication in a safe setting.
Looking for inspiration? We’ve got plenty of nursery activity ideas you can try at home, too.
How We Champion Play-Based Learning at My Ohana
At My Ohana, our learning through play approach is grounded in our core values: nurturing the mind, body, and world of every child.
Mind: We build confidence and curiosity through hands-on learning, storytelling, and problem-solving.
Body: Movement is key - from obstacle courses to dance parties, we promote physical development through active play.
World: Children are encouraged to explore cultural diversity and environmental awareness through interactive activities.
We believe that every child deserves an early years experience that is joyful, meaningful, and rooted in connection. To learn more about why these early moments matter so much, explore our blog on Why Early Years Education is Important.
Ready to see learning through play in action?
If you’d like to explore how My Ohana nurtures a love of learning through play, get in touch with us to learn more about availability across our nurseries.
