What is play-based learning and why does it matter?
You visit a childcare centre on a tour and see children are building with blocks, painting at easels, digging in a sandpit and arguing over whose turn it is with the watering can. Somewhere in your head, a small voice asks: “Are they actually learning anything?”. The answer is “yes!”. In quality childcare settings, play-based programs are how children under five learn best.
Is play-based learning just play?
In a high-quality early learning service, what might look like “just play” from the outside will be very intentional, thoughtfully planned learning spaces and activities that engage little learners and encourage interactions.
“What might look like simple play is actually carefully designed by educators who understand how children learn and develop.” - Prof. Tricia Eadie, Early Childhood Education Researcher, University of Melbourne
Young children learn through doing, exploring, experimenting and interacting with others. A child pouring water, building a tower, or pretending to run a café isn’t just passing time - they’re building problem-solving skills, language, social awareness and confidence all at once.
What does a quality play-based learning program look like in childcare?
In a quality early childhood setting, play-based learning is carefully planned and supported.
“Play isn’t just ‘keeping children busy’ - it’s how learning happens. Educators are intentionally planning experiences that build on children’s interests while supporting their development.” - Prof. Tricia Eadie, Early Childhood Education Researcher, University of Melbourne
You can expect to see:
- Open-ended materials like blocks, loose parts and creative tools
- Role play areas and dress ups for building language and social skills
- Sensory play with sand, water or natural materials for experimenting and problem solving
- Educators sitting with children, asking questions and extending ideas
- Outdoor play spaces and equipment that encourage movement, exploration and collaboration
Does play-based learning mean there’s no structure?
No - and this is a common misconception!
"In high-quality childcare, play is purposeful - educators use it to support learning, development and children’s sense of agency." - Prof. Tricia Eadie, Early Childhood Education Researcher, University of Melbourne
You can expect to see:
- Consistent daily routines and structure
- A balance between teacher-lead and child-lead activities
- Times where the whole group comes together for a shared activity
- Educators actively guiding and participating in learning with the children
- Learning experiences that are planned based on children’s interests and learning and developmental needs
The best way to understand play-based learning? Watch it
The best way to understand play-based learning is to see it in action on a tour. Early learning environments shouldn’t look like school. As long as skilled educators are delivering a quality early learning curriculum, what you see won’t simply be “just play”, it is learning - exactly as it should be in the early years.
When children spend time with educators and peers building, negotiating, imagining, and exploring in a purposefully prepared environment, they will be engaged in meaningful learning.
What should you look for on a childcare tour?
Understanding play-based learning changes what you notice when visiting early learning services. When searching for signs of a quality play-based early learning program, look for:
- Educators who are down at children’s level, engaged and responsive
- Engaging materials that invite open-ended exploration
- Children who are curious, involved, and interacting
- Educators who can explain what children are learning through play and why they have prepared various learning activities
Search childcare near you.
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