Parent guide · Learning through play
What is learning through play? (And how to do it at home)
The short answer
Learning through play means children pick up new skills while they play: counting the stairs, naming animals, taking turns in a game. It's how nurseries and Reception classes teach in the early years.
At home, a few minutes of play with you most days does the same job, and it's the idea behind everything we make.
At home
What learning through play looks like
Real children, real kitchen tables. Each game takes a few minutes and uses a pack of cards.
The basics
What does learning through play mean?
Learning through play is learning that happens while a child is busy doing something they enjoy. The fun and the learning are the same activity.
Play-based learning in the early years
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework nurseries and Reception classes follow, puts play at the centre. It describes three ways young children learn best:
- Playing and exploring: finding out and having a go.
- Active learning: concentrating, keeping on trying, and enjoying what they achieve.
- Creating and thinking critically: having their own ideas and finding ways to do things.
Why learning through play works
When children choose to play, they pay attention for longer and come back to it again. A game gives them a reason to count, read a word or remember a picture, so the practice happens without a battle.
Examples of learning through play
- Counting the dots on a card, then finding that many spoons.
- A sound hunt round the house for things that start with "s".
- A memory game where you name each dinosaur as you turn it over.
- Building a sum on the floor with number cards and a plus sign.
By age
Learning through play by age
Every child moves at their own pace, so follow what they enjoy now. Each stage links to a guide with games to try.
Learning through play for babies
Looking, listening and reaching.
In the first months, play is looking at bold shapes and faces, and hearing your voice. Our guide to black and white cards for babies covers when to start and how to use them.
Learning through play for toddlers
Naming, sorting and first matching games.
From 1 to 3, children love naming animals, copying sounds and finding pairs. Our flashcards for toddlers guide has learning games for this age.
Learning through play for 3 and 4 year olds
First sounds, first numbers and games with rules.
This is when letter sounds and counting come into play. See phonics at home, teaching numbers and how to use flashcards for games to try.
Learning through play in Reception
Reading, counting and early writing, still through play.
Reception is still part of the early years, so play stays at the heart of it. Our guide to what children learn in Reception explains the year, and learning to write covers pencil grip and letter formation.
Learning through play in Year 1 and Year 2
Quick games to practise words and number facts.
School gets more formal, and games at home are a fun way to practise. Try our tricky words guide and learning times tables at home.
At home
How to do learning through play at home
Four simple habits that make any game a learning game.
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Follow their lead
Start with what they're into, whether that's dinosaurs, space or the cat.
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Keep it short
Five minutes is plenty. Stop while they still want more.
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Play together
Children learn most when you play alongside them and chat as you go.
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Let them win
Mostly easy, with a little that is new. Winning keeps them keen.
Where our flashcards fit in
Every Happy Little Doers pack is a set of games, with ideas printed in the box.
Cards are quick to get out, easy to tidy away, and work for one game or ten. A pack in the kitchen drawer makes it easy to play for a few minutes while tea is cooking. For ideas, see 33 games to play with your cards, or grab something from our free printables.
Questions
Learning through play: your questions
What is learning through play?
Learning that happens while a child plays: picking up new words, numbers and skills through games, stories and exploring.
Why is learning through play important?
Children pay attention for longer when they enjoy what they are doing, and come back to it again. That repetition is how new skills stick.
What does the EYFS say about play?
The Early Years Foundation Stage puts play at the centre of learning, through playing and exploring, active learning, and creating and thinking critically.
How can I do learning through play at home?
Pick something your child loves, keep it to a few minutes, and play together. A pack of picture or number cards gives you lots of quick games.
Does learning through play stop at school?
No. Reception is still part of the early years, and games at home are a fun way to practise reading and maths all through primary school.