At Kinder-Garden Learning Center, we believe in the magic of play. and how it's the most natural way for children to learn. While children are stacking blocks, playing pretend, or simply exploring the world around them, they're developing critical skills that will support their growth and success later in life.
We know from years of experience working with children that play is essential for their development. It's how they begin to understand the world, solve problems, express creativity, and interact with others. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), "play is an important context for children's learning, helping them develop social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills" (NAEYC, 2023). This is exactly why we prioritize play in our classrooms at KGLC.
Additionally, the Connecticut Birth to Three System emphasizes that the first three years of life are critical for brain development, and early, interactive play experiences support communication, social-emotional growth, and motor skills. These foundational experiences set the stage for lifelong learning and well-being, making the role of play in early childhood development even more significant (CT Birth to Three, 2023).
How Play Helps Children Grow
At Kinder-Garden, we see firsthand how play helps children grow in so many ways. Here are just a few examples:
Problem-solving: Whether it’s figuring out how to balance a tower of blocks or deciding which puzzle piece fits, children are constantly figuring things out on their own.
Critical thinking: Pretend play—like pretending to be a teacher or a chef—helps children explore "what if" scenarios and practice creative thinking.
Social skills: When children play together, they’re learning to share, cooperate, and take turns, which helps them build strong relationships.
Language development: Every conversation, whether with a friend or a favorite toy, is helping children grow their vocabulary and communication skills.
A Fun and Easy Learning Activity for Home
If you’re looking for a simple way to bring learning into playtime at home, here’s an idea: set up a mini “store”! All you need are some toys, books, or everyday items. Take turns being the shopkeeper and the customer, and your child can practice:
Counting: Help them count out items or pretend money during the game.
Sorting: Organize objects by size, color, or type—this helps build early math skills.
Pretend play: Encourage your child to make up stories and scenarios. This helps with problem-solving and communication.
At Kinder-Garden Learning Center, we intentionally create environments where children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and play. It’s how we help them develop the skills they need to succeed now and in the future. Play is so much more than fun—it’s the foundation for everything they will learn in life.
So, the next time you catch your little one deep in imaginative play, remember: they’re not just having fun, they’re learning, too!
Sources:
NAEYC - The Importance of Play in Early Childhood Education (2023).
Connecticut Birth to Three System – Early Childhood Development and Brain Growth (2023).
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