We all remember those moments of wide-eyed curiosity and boundless energy when we were young, eager to discover and learn. Playtime was an essential part of this, a joyous and imaginative exploration of the world around us. It was a time for making connections, trying new things, and taking risks.

At the heart of education lies the Australian Curriculum. This framework sets out the blueprint for what we teach, but it is the pedagogies – or how we teach – that is left up to our skilled and caring Educators and Teachers. And when it comes to the early years, research has shown that play is paramount. Have you asked your child what they did today, and they replied, “Nothing I just played”? At Sesame Lane childcare, this is exactly what we want to hear! Read on and we’ll explain why.

Play Based Learning

Play is where children’s imaginations take flight. Whether they’re constructing, exploring, creating, imagining, or taking risks, they are actively engaging with both the people and objects around them. And in doing so, they begin to make sense of the world they inhabit.

Yet, play-based learning isn’t just about having fun (although that’s certainly an essential part!). It helps promote physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. It nurtures creativity and imagination, and it lays the foundation for future literacy and numeracy skills.

Active Play

Are you ready to help your child grow, develop, and thrive? Active play is the answer! Activities like running, jumping, and dancing not only release built-up energy, but they also develop large muscles, promote overall health, and create a sense of wellbeing in your child. And it doesn’t stop there – picking up small objects, manipulating materials, and connecting blocks are essential for developing small muscles, crucial for fine motor strength. These skills will come in handy as your child grows and learns to write and become independent.

Positive Social Skills

As children embark on their playtime adventures, they not only explore the world around them, but also develop essential life skills. Through play, our little ones learn to understand and control their emotions, gain empathy for others, build solid relationships, make wise choices, collaboratively work towards goals, gracefully handle challenges, and even blossom into strong leaders. These are not just abstract concepts, but key building blocks that shape them into responsible, caring, and resilient individuals who contribute positively to their communities.

Play is Character Building

When children play, amazing things happen. Not only do they improve their cognitive skills, like memory and attention, but they also build on important character traits like persistence and resilience. By sticking with a tough level or a challenging activity, children learn to never give up and keep trying. And when they develop these habits early on, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.

But the benefits don’t stop there. Playtime is also when children develop their problem-solving abilities, imagination, and creativity. Before they even learn about things like shapes, colors, and letters, they’re already building the foundation for a lifetime of learning.

So whether children are building sandcastles or putting together puzzles, their brains are hard at work. As parents, teachers, and caregivers, we have a unique opportunity to create environments where playtime never ends, and learning is always in session. Let’s give our little ones the tools they need to succeed and watch them soar!

At Sesame Lane, we celebrate the power of play-based learning. Let us remember that, at its core, it’s about creating actively engaged learners who develop a lifelong love of learning.