March 16, 2026
At Runningbrook International Preschool, we have witnessed the transformative power of play for over 30 years, supporting more than 1,200 families from 35 countries. Our child-centered approach recognizes what research consistently confirms: when children engage in meaningful play, they build cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills simultaneously—often without even realizing they are learning.
In this article, we will explore how play-based learning shapes early childhood development, what you might observe as your child grows through play, and practical strategies you can use at home to nurture these essential skills.
The evidence supporting play as a learning vehicle is overwhelming. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play is so important to child development that it has been recognized by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a right of every child. Research published in developmental psychology journals consistently shows that children who engage in regular, quality play demonstrate stronger problem-solving abilities, better emotional regulation, and more advanced social skills than their peers with limited play opportunities.
Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, describes play as "a fundamental biological process" that shapes our brains and helps us adapt to an ever-changing world. When your child plays, their brain forms new neural connections, strengthening pathways that support learning in all areas.
But what makes play so effective? Unlike direct instruction, play allows children to:
This is why at Runningbrook, our programs—from Growing Steps (6 months to 2 years) through Pre-Kinder (4 to 6 years)—are built around play-based learning. Our extensive indoor and outdoor play spaces provide rich environments where children can explore, discover, and grow at their own pace.
Every child develops at their own unique pace, and you are the expert on your child. However, understanding typical play behaviors at different stages can help you appreciate the incredible learning happening right before your eyes.
During this stage, you might observe your child:
What is being built: Object permanence, cause and effect understanding, sensory processing, early language foundations, and trust in caregivers.
At this stage, play becomes more complex. You might notice:
What is being built: Fine motor control, early math concepts, imagination, social awareness, and emotional regulation.
Preschool-age children show sophisticated play behaviors:
What is being built: Executive function (planning, organizing, self-control), advanced language skills, empathy, creative thinking, and pre-academic concepts.
Remember, children from different cultural backgrounds may express play differently, and all of these variations are valuable. In our multicultural environment at Runningbrook, we celebrate the diverse ways children from over 35 countries approach play and learning.
Supporting your child's development through play does not require expensive toys or elaborate setups. Here are five evidence-based strategies you can implement immediately:
One of the most powerful things you can do is simply observe what captures your child's attention and join them there. If your toddler is fascinated by opening and closing containers, provide more containers. If your preschooler loves dinosaurs, incorporate dinosaurs into counting games, storytelling, and art projects.
This child-centered approach respects your child's natural interests while allowing you to gently extend their learning. You might say, "I notice you love putting the small blocks inside the big box. I wonder how many small blocks can fit?"
While it can be tempting to keep play neat and organized, some of the richest learning happens in sensory, open-ended experiences. Water play, sandbox exploration, finger painting, and playing with playdough all support early childhood development in ways that structured activities cannot replicate.
Set up a designated space where mess is acceptable, and let your child explore freely. The cleanup process itself can become a learning opportunity!
When your child builds a tower that looks unstable or draws a purple elephant, pause before correcting. Play is a safe space for experimentation, and the process matters more than the product. Children learn valuable lessons from towers that fall and problems they solve themselves.
Try asking open-ended questions instead: "Tell me about what you're making" or "What do you think will happen if...?"
In our busy lives, it is easy to fill every moment with scheduled activities. However, children need unhurried time to develop deep, meaningful play. Try to protect blocks of time—even 20 to 30 minutes—where your child can engage without interruption.
At Runningbrook, our small group sizes ensure that each child has the time and attention needed to fully engage in play. Consider how you can create similar conditions at home.
When you play with your child, aim to be a supportive partner rather than the person in charge. Let your child assign you roles in pretend play, follow their rules for games (even when they change mid-play!), and express genuine interest in their ideas.
This does not mean you cannot introduce new concepts or vocabulary—you absolutely can. The key is weaving these additions naturally into play rather than taking over.
For families in our bilingual education environment, play offers unique opportunities to develop language skills naturally. Children who hear and use multiple languages during play develop stronger cognitive flexibility and enhanced problem-solving abilities.
You can support this at home by:
As you consider all the ways play supports your child's development, please remember: you are already doing so much right. The fact that you are reading this article shows your commitment to understanding and supporting your child's growth.
There is no perfect way to play with your child. What matters most is your presence, your attention, and your willingness to enter their world. Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply sit nearby while your child plays independently, offering your calm presence as they explore.
At Runningbrook International Preschool, our dedicated educators work alongside families to support each child's unique developmental journey. Our child-centered approach means we meet every child where they are, honoring their individual timeline and interests.
Whether your child is in our Growing Steps program taking their first steps into play, or in Pre-Kinder preparing for their next educational chapter, we believe in the transformative power of joyful, meaningful play experiences.
The next time you see your child deeply engaged in play—whether they are making mud pies, building elaborate block structures, or having an animated conversation with stuffed animals—know that you are witnessing essential learning in action. These moments of play are building the foundation for everything that follows: academic success, healthy relationships, creative problem-solving, and emotional wellbeing.
Trust your child's natural drive to play. Trust your instincts as a parent. And trust that through play, your child is developing exactly the skills they need for a bright future.
If you would like to learn more about how Runningbrook International Preschool supports play-based learning and early childhood development in our multicultural environment, we welcome you to visit our center and see our approach in action. Because when children play, they are not just having fun—they are building their brains, their hearts, and their futures.