When adults think about learning, they often imagine books, lessons, and structured activities, but play-based learning looks very different. For young children, learning can happen while they are building with blocks, creating artwork, pretending during role play, exploring outdoors, or having conversations with friends and educators.
What may look like simple play is often a meaningful learning experience. Through play, children explore ideas, practise new skills, express themselves, and make sense of the world around them.
This is why play is such an important part of early childhood education. It allows children to learn in a way that feels natural, engaging, and connected to their everyday experiences.
Play-based learning is an approach where children develop knowledge and skills through experiences that encourage curiosity, exploration, creativity, and problem-solving.
Rather than simply following instructions, children actively participate in their learning. They make choices, ask questions, test ideas, and discover new possibilities through hands-on experiences.
Teachers are central to this process. They listen to the children's interests, provide appropriate materials, and create activities that support their learning and development.
Teachers who understand children’s developmental needs can guide them through a well-planned play area where they can explore at their own pace.
Families interested in learning more about Burnside AELC’s play-based learning approach can explore how early learning experiences support children’s growth.
Children do not separate learning from play in the same way adults do. For young children, exploring, experimenting, and interacting with others are important ways of building knowledge.
Through play, children develop skills across many areas of development.
What kids actually do and experience would be the focus of a more organic teacher voice.
Children develop their communication skills through the many conversations and interactions they have throughout the day.
Children learn to communicate, listen, and respond to others while playing, in group activities, or when sharing ideas while telling stories. They begin to realise that talking involves taking turns, asking questions and sharing ideas.
During pretend play, children often create their own stories and situations. A simple game of playing "shop", "family", or “teacher” allows children to practise using words, explaining their ideas, and working together with others.
These everyday interactions help children become more comfortable communicating and connecting with the people around them.
Why this approach is less AI-like:
Many play experiences encourage children to think, experiment, and find solutions.
A child building a structure with blocks may discover that some designs are stronger than others. A child creating an artwork may decide how to combine colours, shapes, and materials in new ways.
These moments help children develop:
Learning does not always happen when a child gets the 'right answer'. Often, it happens when they explore possibilities and learn from the process.
Playing with other kids fosters the development of critical social skills.
Kids learn through group activities:
These experiences help children understand themselves and the people around them.
Educators support this development by helping children build positive relationships and encouraging respectful interactions.
When children are playing, educators are not just watching the activity itself. They are noticing the small details that show how each child thinks, communicates, and explores.
Through play, educators learn more about:
These observations help educators understand each child better and plan experiences that feel meaningful and engaging.
For example, a child who enjoys building with blocks may be encouraged to explore different materials, create new designs, or work with friends on a shared project. A simple activity can become an opportunity to practise creativity, problem-solving, and cooperation.
By paying attention to children’s play, educators can better support their learning journey and the experiences they have each day.
Some of the most valuable learning moments happen during everyday activities.
Drawing, painting and making with different materials allow children to explore their imagination and self-expression.
Children gain confidence in sharing their creations, learn how to make choices and communicate ideas.
Children learn about their environment and develop physical abilities when they play outdoors.
Children can practise:
Songs, stories, games, and group discussions help children practise communication and cooperation skills.
Children learn how to participate as part of a group while respecting different ideas and experiences.
These everyday opportunities demonstrate that learning is happening throughout a child’s day, not only during formal activities.
School readiness is about more than knowing letters and numbers. Children also need confidence, independence, communication skills, and the ability to engage with others.
Play-based learning helps children develop foundations that support their transition to school, including:
Through meaningful play experiences, children practise many of the skills they will continue to develop throughout their educational journey.
Families can explore how Burnside AELC supports children’s development through its preschool and kindy programmes, which help prepare them for their next stage of learning.
Yes. Children develop through play-based learning when they are provided with meaningful experiences that allow them to practise important skills. Kids learn by exploring, interacting, being creative, and problem-solving.
Children can develop communication, creativity, independence, social, and problem-solving skills through different types of play experiences.
Yes. Play remains an important part of early childhood education because it supports children’s development and encourages curiosity and confidence before they start school.
No, not at all. Teachers intentionally create experiences, monitor children's development, and provide learning opportunities. Children can acquire skills through play in a meaningful way.
The early years provide children with opportunities to discover, explore, and build confidence. While play may appear simple on the surface, it often involves complex learning and development.
Choosing an early learning environment means finding a place where children are encouraged to ask questions, build relationships, and develop at their pace.
Learn more about the centre’s approach and available childcare enrolment information for families interested in exploring childcare options to help them take the next step in their child’s early development.
For young children, play is not separate from learning. It is one of the ways they learn best.
We acknowledge the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains and pays respect to Elders past and present. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship with the land. We acknowledge that they are of continuing importance to the Kaurna people living today.
