Children learn through play. Why do children have toys? Play is engaging. Play is learning in a safe environment, which is a simulation of the real world. Children naturally want to play and enjoy play, because that’s how they make sense of the world. Games stimulate children in new ways, creating new experiences, from which they learn and grow.
When children play, they learn how to learn
Play is the Most Efficient Way to Learn
Why do we remember our favourite childhood toy from many years ago but forget where we left our keys just last night? It is the positive emotional engagement which helps us remember effectively. In fact, if we are bored or upset, we will not be able to absorb new knowledge well.
Children Are Intrinsically Motivated to Learn Through Play
It is part of human nature to enjoy play. Children want to do it again and again without being asked. They do not need external rewards when they enjoy learning through play. When they play, they are focused and do not get easily distracted. They do not need to be nagged or scolded.
Association Through Hands-On Experience
Learning is interesting when what you learn can be immediately applied to your daily life. We quickly lose interest when our teachers go on and on about theories which we do not know how to apply. Playing lets children associate what they learn to real life. Being involved and exercising with their own hands help them understand and connect concepts to real experiences.
Develop Social-Emotional Skills
Playing board games teaches practices and qualities like taking turns (self-regulation), blocking our distractions (focus, perseverance), learning new rules (cognitive flexibility), losing gracefully (frustration tolerance) and collaboration (conscientiousness). These are skills schools and society demand, but are seldom taught in a structured way.
About Play with Purpose. Find out more about the team that brings you this fun and engaging enrichment programme.
Play with Purpose 