September 22, 2025
At Runningbrook International Preschool, we've witnessed firsthand how a child-centered, play-based approach transforms young learners. Since 1993, we've watched over 1200 families from more than 35 countries discover the power of learning through play. Today, we want to share with you the fascinating science that explains why play isn't just fun—it's fundamental to your child's development.
Decades of research in neuroscience and child development have consistently shown that play is the primary vehicle through which children learn. Dr. Sergio Pellis, a neuroscientist at the University of Lethbridge, has extensively studied play behavior and found that play literally reshapes the brain's prefrontal cortex—the area responsible for executive function, decision-making, and social behavior.
When children engage in play, their brains release BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a protein that promotes the growth of new neural connections. This means that every time your child builds with blocks, engages in pretend play, or explores nature, they're actively constructing their brain architecture.
The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that play is so crucial to child development that they consider it a basic right of childhood. Their research shows that play-based learning in early childhood development leads to:
Understanding how play manifests at different developmental stages helps you recognize the learning happening right before your eyes. Remember, children develop at their own unique pace, and these are general guidelines rather than rigid expectations.
During this stage, you might observe your child exploring through sensory play—mouthing objects, dropping toys repeatedly, or delighting in peek-a-boo games. This seemingly simple play is actually helping them understand cause and effect, develop hand-eye coordination, and build trust in their environment. The repetitive nature of their play isn't boring—it's how they're wiring their brains for future learning.
Toddlers often engage in parallel play, playing alongside but not necessarily with other children. You might see them absorbed in filling and dumping containers, engaging in simple pretend play like feeding a doll, or exploring different textures. This play develops fine motor skills, introduces early mathematical concepts like volume and quantity, and begins building social awareness.
Preschoolers typically move into more complex imaginative play. You might witness elaborate storylines with action figures, detailed block constructions, or cooperative games with peers. This type of play develops abstract thinking, narrative skills, and social negotiation abilities. They're learning to see situations from multiple perspectives and practice emotional regulation in safe contexts.
Older preschoolers often engage in rule-based games and more sophisticated dramatic play. You might observe them creating complex scenarios, following game rules, or working together on extended projects. This play develops executive function skills, mathematical thinking, and prepares them for more formal learning environments while maintaining their natural curiosity and love of discovery.
The beautiful thing about play-based learning is that it doesn't require expensive toys or elaborate setups. Here are practical strategies to enhance your child's learning through play:
Set aside time each day when your child can choose their own activities without adult direction. This might mean providing open-ended materials like blocks, art supplies, or natural objects and then stepping back to let their imagination lead. During these times, resist the urge to direct or correct—instead, observe and appreciate the learning happening naturally.
If your child is fascinated by dinosaurs, incorporate this interest into various play activities. You might create dinosaur habitats in the sandbox, count dinosaur figures during snack time, or encourage dinosaur-themed dramatic play. When children pursue their passions through play, learning becomes deeply meaningful and memorable.
Some of the most valuable learning happens through sensory experiences that can be, admittedly, messy. Water play, finger painting, or cooking together might create more laundry, but these activities develop crucial neural pathways. Set up easy-to-clean spaces and remember that the learning benefits far outweigh the temporary inconvenience.
While your child plays, offer gentle commentary and ask open-ended questions. Instead of testing them with "What color is this?" try wondering aloud: "I wonder what would happen if we added more water to this sand." This approach supports language development while maintaining the child-led nature of play.
In our multicultural environment at Runningbrook, we see how children benefit from diverse play experiences that reflect the real world. Consider incorporating materials and scenarios from different cultures, or create play opportunities that mirror adult activities like cooking, gardening, or caring for others.
At Runningbrook International Preschool, our child-centered approach is grounded in this scientific understanding of play-based learning. Our dedicated educators create rich environments where children from 6 months to 6 years can explore, discover, and learn through guided play experiences.
Our bilingual education model recognizes that language learning happens most naturally through play-based interactions. When children engage in dramatic play in both English and Spanish, they're not just learning vocabulary—they're developing cultural understanding and cognitive flexibility that will serve them throughout their lives.
Our extensive indoor and outdoor play spaces are designed to support different types of learning through play. From our sensory gardens where toddlers can explore textures and natural materials, to our construction areas where older children can engage in engineering challenges, every space is intentionally created to support development through joyful discovery.
It's important to remember that children develop at different rates and may show preferences for different types of play. Some children are drawn to quiet, focused activities like puzzles or art, while others thrive in active, physical play. Some may prefer solitary exploration, while others seek constant social interaction.
In our multicultural environment, we also see how cultural backgrounds can influence play preferences and styles. Some families come from cultures that emphasize quiet, focused activities, while others prioritize active, group play. There's no single "right" way to play—the key is supporting your child's natural inclinations while gently expanding their comfort zone.
Trust your instincts as a parent. You know your child best, and you're the expert on their unique personality, interests, and developmental needs. The science of play-based learning provides a framework for understanding development, but your child's individual journey within that framework is uniquely theirs.
The next time you watch your child engaged in play, take a moment to appreciate the incredible learning taking place. Whether they're building block towers that defy gravity, having tea parties with stuffed animals, or digging in the garden dirt, they're engaging in serious scientific work—exploring hypotheses, testing theories, and building the neural foundations for lifelong learning.
As parents, one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the time, space, and freedom to play. In our fast-paced world, it can be tempting to rush toward more formal learning activities, but research consistently shows that children who have rich play experiences in their early years develop stronger academic, social, and emotional skills later on.
At Runningbrook, we're honored to partner with families in supporting each child's natural curiosity and love of learning. Together, we can create environments where children thrive through the beautiful, complex, and scientifically-supported process of learning through play.
Remember, every moment of play is a moment of growth. Trust in your child's natural wisdom, celebrate their discoveries, and know that through play, you're giving them the very best foundation for a lifetime of learning and joy.