Why It’s More Than Just Fun
At Angegra Nursery & Preschool, we often say that play is the work of children — and we mean it. While it may look like simple fun to adults, play is one of the most powerful ways young children learn, grow, and make sense of the world around them.
In fact, research shows that play-based learning boosts creativity, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and early literacy and numeracy skills. It’s not just an activity — it’s a vital part of healthy childhood development.
What Is Play-Based Learning?
Play-based learning is an approach where children explore, experiment, and engage with their environment in ways that feel natural to them. Whether they’re building with blocks, dressing up, digging in the garden, or role-playing in a pretend kitchen, they’re developing essential life skills.
There are many types of play, and each offers unique learning benefits:
- Imaginative play helps children express emotions, develop empathy, and build social skills.
- Physical play supports coordination, strength, and body awareness.
- Constructive play (like building or sorting) enhances logic, focus, and spatial reasoning.
- Sensory play promotes exploration and language development through touch, sound, and movement.
- Cooperative play builds communication, negotiation, and teamwork.
How We Use Play at Angegra
At Angegra Nursery & Preschool, play is thoughtfully planned and guided to maximise learning opportunities. Our team carefully designs environments and activities that stimulate curiosity and discovery.
Examples of play-based learning in our setting include:
- Themed role-play areas that let children act out real-life situations (e.g., a post office, vet clinic, or shop)
- Messy play with sand, water, and dough to explore texture and develop fine motor skills
- Outdoor exploration where children learn about nature, seasons, and risk-taking in a safe way
- Creative corners with art, music, and dance to support expression and confidence
- Group games and storytelling to improve listening, turn-taking, and verbal skills
We also ensure there’s a balance between child-led play and adult-supported learning moments. This means children are free to explore, but also gently guided when needed to stretch their thinking and understanding.
How You Can Encourage Play at Home
You don’t need fancy toys or expensive equipment to support play-based learning at home. Here are a few simple ideas:
- Turn everyday objects into toys — pots and spoons make great drums!
- Allow your child time to play freely, indoors and out
- Join in their play and follow their lead — this builds connection and boosts language
- Provide open-ended materials like blocks, crayons, or recycled items
- Ask open-ended questions like “What do you think will happen if…?” or “Tell me about what you’ve made”
Final Thoughts
Play isn’t just about keeping children entertained — it’s about nurturing capable, confident learners. Through play, children learn how to think, how to feel, and how to relate to others. That’s why at Angegra Nursery & Preschool, we treat play with the value and respect it deserves.
Interested in how your child can learn through play at Angegra?
Come and see our vibrant, play-rich environment in action we’d love to welcome you for a visit.
