Children learn and develop skills at different rates throughout their childhood. However, there is significant brain growth during the first five years of life, and this period can be crucial in developing a child’s brain and promoting their capacity to learn. Learning from an early age can also help children develop better social skills and navigate daily challenges throughout their lives.

Until they are about 2 years old, babies become accustomed to their environment through their senses and learn to recognise and respond to stimuli like music and facial expressions. They also start to develop basic motor skills that allow them to move, using large muscles to help them to roll over, crawl, sit up and eventually walk. This development progresses to smaller muscle movements in the hands and fingers that help them to grasp objects and use their hands and toes.

After about 2 years of age, children start to use mental symbols and language to understand the world they live in. They begin to understand simple instructions and recognise objects. About 90% of brain development occurs before the age of 5, so toddlers and preschoolers must have the opportunity to engage in positive interactions and activities to support healthy brain growth and to give them the right tools to be able to cope well throughout their lives.

Play-Based Learning Has Numerous Benefits

While parents play a vital role in supporting their children’s learning and development, they cannot replace the unique value of interacting with other children. Play is a fundamental part of early childhood development, promoting cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills.

Play-based learning allows children to use their natural curiosity to explore and make sense of the world around them. It’s designed to be both fun and educational, so toddlers and preschoolers not only enjoy the activities but also benefit from them in meaningful ways.

Key Benefits of Play-Based Learning

• Cognitive Development

  • Hands-on activities involving numbers, colours, and shapes enhance cognitive understanding and memory.

  • Problem-solving games and puzzles encourage logical thinking and creativity.

  • Memory games help strengthen focus and attention span.

• Language and Communication

  • Imaginative play and storytelling support language development and grammar skills.

  • Children learn to express their ideas, understand others, and expand their vocabulary through interaction.

• Physical Development

  • Fine motor skills are developed through activities like:

    • Drawing

    • Playing with dough

    • Building with blocks

  • Gross motor skills are strengthened through:

    • Running and jumping

    • Ball games and active play

  • These physical activities also improve balance, coordination, spatial awareness, and body control.

• Social and Emotional Skills

  • Group play fosters teamwork and teaches children to:

    • Express ideas clearly

    • Listen to others

    • Show empathy and understand different perspectives

  • Social interaction through play helps children develop resilience, cooperation, and emotional intelligence.

While screens can provide brief entertainment, they do not replace the value of shared play. Through play, children learn essential life skills such as how to relate to others, how to manage emotions, and how to engage with the world in a meaningful way.

By integrating play into their daily routine, children are more likely to grow into confident, capable learners with a love of discovery that lasts a lifetime.

Play-Based Learning Provides Endless Opportunities for Little Ones

Finding a safe and nurturing environment to leave your toddler or preschool child at during the day can be a difficult decision for any parent, and naturally, you may have many questions or concerns. Little Learners Day Care Centre provides a safe and nurturing environment, with a focus on a play-based curriculum. We are passionate about providing children with the right care and education, and we offer exciting educational programs so children can develop physically, socially, emotionally & cognitively.

Building children’s confidence and social interactions is so important to help them grow, and by facilitating play in a controlled environment we can ensure every child benefits from positive interactions. Your child will be learning new skills and good habits whilst playing and having fun! 

Book a tour today to learn more about our early learning centre and our approach to play-based learning.