Play is often seen as a simple pastime for children, but play is far more than just fun. It’s a natural, powerful way for children to explore the world, build skills and lay the groundwork for future learning. In this blog, Claudia Cattage, a mentor teacher at Educare Chicago, a program of Start Early, shares insights on the developmental benefits of play-based learning, practical advice for parents and caregivers and tips for fostering a play-rich environment.

The Power of Play: Unlock Developmental Benefits for Your Child
Discover expert insights on play-based learning to empower parents and caregivers in fostering their children’s development through joyful and meaningful play.
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Why Play Matters
Play isn’t just something your child enjoys—it’s an essential tool for their learning and development. Through play, your child learns about themselves and the world around them. Here’s how play taps into all the domains of learning, helping children grow in ways you might not even realize:
- Social and Emotional Development: Play helps your child learn to self-regulate, work collaboratively and build relationships.
- Cognitive Skills: Problem-solving, classification and staying engaged naturally happen during playful exploration.
- Language and Literacy: While playing, your child expands their vocabulary, practices communication and begins recognizing written words.
- Math and Science Foundations: Through counting, sorting and experimenting with shapes and space, your child builds a strong foundation for academic success.
Not only is play fun and natural, but it also supports all the domains of learning, It gives a foundation for math, science, and even social studies.
Your Role in Play-Based Learning
The best addition to your child’s play is you. Your involvement can take their play to the next level. By observing their interests, asking thoughtful questions and providing materials that match their developmental level, you can help support their growth.
Here are some simple ways to make the most of your role:
- Quiet Your Own Noise: Take a moment to focus on your child’s activity without bringing your own agenda into their play.
- Follow Their Lead: Pay attention to what your child is interested in and support their exploration.
- Create a Safe Environment: Make sure their play materials are age-appropriate, open-ended, and accessible.
- Be Present: Sometimes, all your child needs is a smile or encouragement to dive deeper into their play.
Making Play Part of Everyday Life
If you’re busy, don’t worry—play doesn’t have to be a separate activity. You can incorporate play-based learning into your daily routines. Here are some simple examples that you can try:
- During Chores: Ask your child to match socks (that’s math!) or count items while setting the table.
- At the Grocery Store: Turn shopping into a game by asking your child to find specific items or colors.
- On the Go: Practice self-regulation by playing stop-and-go games during walks or cart rides.
Even everyday tasks like putting on a coat or tying shoes can be learning moments. Allow extra time for your child to try things on their own. These small moments build motor skills, confidence and independence.
Your child’s teachers can also be fantastic allies in supporting their play-based learning. We encourage families to build strong partnerships with teachers. Share your observations from home, ask questions and collaborate to set consistent goals.
The difference between a good classroom and a great classroom is collaboration with parents. By working together, you can create an environment that supports your child’s growth both at home and at school.
Breaking the Misconceptions About Play
Many people think play is just about having fun, play is full of purpose and value. It’s easy to overlook how much learning happens during play if you’re not looking for it. One tip Claudia shared is to observe your child during play and write down what they’re learning. For example, sorting blocks might seem simple, but it’s laying the groundwork for classification skills they’ll need in math. Sharing these observations with other caregivers or educators can help everyone understand the true value of play.
Play is more than just fun—it’s a natural, essential method of learning that helps your child thrive in every developmental domain. By engaging in your child’s play, weaving it into your daily routines and collaborating with teachers, you can help them build skills, confidence and a lifelong love of learning.
So, the next time your child invites you to play, jump in—you’re not just having fun; you’re helping them grow!
Resources for Play-Based Learning
Books About Play-Based Learning
- The Importance of Being Little: What Preschoolers Really Need from Grownups by Erika Christakis
- Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul by Stuart Brown
- The Power of Play: Learning What Comes Naturally by David Elkind
Research and Ideas
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): Articles, research and practical tips for implementing play-based learning.
- Zero to Three: Focuses on early development and the role of play in learning.
- The Genius of Play: Activities, tips and play-based learning benefits for various age groups.
- Playful Learning: Resources for creating engaging, play-based activities.
- Scholastic’s Play-Based Learning Hub: Activities and lesson plans for integrating play in early childhood settings.
About the Author

Claudia Cattage
Mentor Teacher, Educare Chicago
Claudia Cattage is a dedicated Early Childhood Education professional with over 30 years of experience working as a Early/Head Start Lead Teacher at Educare Chicago.
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