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Power of Play and Exploration in Early Years

Discover the power of play in early childhood education! At The School of Raya, we integrate structured and unstructured play to foster creativity, problem-solving, and holistic development. Learn how play-based learning enhances cognitive, social, and motor skills, preparing children for lifelong success.

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Ms. Chaitra Vageesh - EY Coordinator, The School of Raya
Posted on 25 Mar 2025

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“Play is the highest form of research.” -   Albert Einstein

 

Have you ever stopped to think about what children learn when they play? Research shows that the first five years of life are critical for brain development. In fact, about 80% of brain growth is complete by the age of three, and by five, it reaches nearly 90%. Thus Early Years are a golden opportunity for children to explore, learn, and grow—and play is at the very heart of it all.

 

Through play, children naturally engage with the world, building essential skills in areas like language, literacy, mathematics, and science. They also learn to think creatively, solve problems, and develop critical life skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Play isn’t just fun; it’s an invaluable tool for lifelong learning.

 

At The School of Raya, we integrate playful learning into everyday activities to foster creativity and exploration. Play Plan is part of lesson planning in the Early Years Programme, incorporates play activities to spark learners’ imagination and strengthen fine motor skills. Well planned centres with learning manipulatives and other resources encourage teamwork and boost learners’ gross motor development. Connecting play to real-life scenarios is a way to deep learning. Collaborative planning amongst the team to provide structured/unstructured play, teaches practical knowledge that help children relate to the world around them. These hands-on experiences make abstract concepts more concrete and memorable for our learners.

 

Play is essential for a child’s holistic development. When we think back to our own childhood—didn’t we enjoy games like hopscotch, tag, or marbles? These seemingly simple games taught us valuable lessons in communication, negotiation, and motor skills, while also fostering problem-solving abilities and resilience. Even basic activities, such as stacking blocks or knocking them over, introduce toddlers to concepts like shapes, gravity, balance, and counting. These small yet impactful experiences lay the groundwork for cognitive and academic growth.

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At Raya, Play takes many shapes, each contributing uniquely to a child’s learning journey. Forms of play that are part of our everyday planning include:

  • Sensory Play: Activities that stimulate the senses, such as touch, smell, movement, and sound, encourage exploration and sensory development.
  • Constructive Play: Building with blocks or creating structures with sand teaches problem-solving and enhances fine motor skills.
  • Dramatic/Creative Play: Pretend play, like dressing up or role-playing, fosters creativity, emotional expression, and social skills.
  • Exploratory Play: Using senses to investigate textures and functions helps children understand the physical world around them.
  • Physically Active Play: Games like bouldering, hopscotch, or playing in the jungle gym develop coordination, strength, and overall fitness.

 

At The School of Raya, we believe in creating Curious environments that inspire creativity, innovation, and exploration. Our classrooms are Mindfully equipped with opportunities for sensory play, dramatic activities, and free exploration, all of which contribute to cognitive, physical, and emotional growth. Play doesn’t just encourage creative thinking; it also builds Freedom, Communication skills and expands vocabulary. It enhances visual-spatial awareness, self-regulation, and social interactions, while improving hand-eye and foot-eye coordination. Additionally, it promotes perseverance, focus, physical health, and endurance.

 

The benefits of play extend beyond academics. It fosters a sense of curiosity, empathy, and ingenuity, helping children approach life’s challenges with confidence. The next time your child excitedly asks, “Can I play?”, view it as more than just fun. It’s a moment of discovery, an opportunity for growth, and a chance to explore the world with wonder.

 

By embracing the power of play, we prepare children not only for school but for life itself. After all, as Einstein wisely said, play truly is the highest form of research.