The Vital Role of Play in Early Childhood Development: Why It Matters

At Runningbrook International Preschool, we've witnessed thousands of magical moments where children discover the world through play. Since 1993, we've guided over 1,200 families from more than 35 countries in understanding a fundamental truth: play isn't just something children do for fun—it's how they learn, grow, and develop critical life skills.

As parents, you might wonder if your child is 'just playing' or actually learning when they're building block towers, pretending to be superheroes, or mixing mud pies in the garden. Today, we're exploring why play is not merely a childhood pastime but a crucial foundation for lifelong development.

The Science Behind Play: How Play Shapes the Growing Brain

Research consistently shows that play activates numerous regions of a child's brain, creating neural connections that are essential for healthy development. When children engage in playful activities, they're actually building the architecture of their brains.

During the first six years of life, a child's brain develops more rapidly than at any other time. This critical period sets the foundation for all future learning. Through play, children develop:

Cognitive skills - Problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity flourish when children explore through play. When a child figures out how to build a stable tower with blocks or creates an imaginary world, they're exercising sophisticated thinking skills.
Language development - Whether engaging in pretend play with peers or narrating their actions with toys, children constantly practice language skills. A child who role-plays running a restaurant is learning vocabulary, conversation skills, and storytelling.
Physical abilities - Both fine and gross motor skills develop through play. Climbing, running, and jumping strengthen large muscles, while activities like drawing, manipulating small objects, and cutting develop hand-eye coordination.
Social-emotional competence - Perhaps most importantly, play teaches children how to interact with others, regulate emotions, and develop empathy. A simple game of taking turns helps children understand fairness and patience.

At Runningbrook, our child-centered approach recognizes these developmental benefits. We intentionally design our indoor and outdoor play spaces to stimulate different types of play and learning opportunities.

Types of Play and Their Developmental Benefits

Not all play is the same, and different types of play support various aspects of development:

Free play - Unstructured, child-directed play allows children to follow their interests and develop independence. This type of play fosters creativity, decision-making, and intrinsic motivation.
Guided play - When adults thoughtfully introduce materials or gentle guidance to enrich play experiences, children can explore concepts in deeper ways.
Physical play - Running, climbing, dancing, and other active play helps children develop coordination, strength, and body awareness while building healthy habits.
Pretend play - Role-playing and imagination games help children process experiences, practice social roles, and develop narrative thinking.
Constructive play - Building with blocks or creating art allows children to experiment with spatial concepts, develop planning skills, and experience the satisfaction of making something.
Games with rules - Simple board games or structured activities teach children to follow directions, take turns, and understand fairness.

At Runningbrook International Preschool, we incorporate all these types of play across our programs for children from 6 months to 6 years, adapting activities to be developmentally appropriate for each age group.

Practical Tips: Supporting Your Child's Development Through Play

As parents, you are your child's first and most influential teachers. Here are some practical ways to enhance learning through play at home:

Create a play-friendly environment - Designate spaces in your home where your child can freely explore with age-appropriate toys and materials. Simple items like cardboard boxes, safe kitchen utensils, or fabric scraps often inspire more creativity than expensive toys.
Follow your child's lead - Notice what interests your child and expand on those themes. If they're fascinated by insects, provide magnifying glasses, books about bugs, and opportunities to safely observe insects outdoors.
Ask open-ended questions - Rather than directing play, ask questions like "What do you think might happen if...?" or "How else could you use this?" This encourages problem-solving and creative thinking.
Limit screen time - While some digital media can be educational, nothing replaces hands-on, active play for development. Set reasonable limits and prioritize interactive experiences.
Join in the fun - When you play with your child, you demonstrate that you value their interests and build your relationship. Even 15 minutes of focused play together can significantly impact connection and learning.
Embrace mess and risk - Some of the most valuable play experiences involve getting messy or taking appropriate risks. Waterplay, sand, mud, climbing (with supervision)—these activities provide rich sensory input and physical challenges that benefit development.
Make everyday moments playful - Cooking together, sorting laundry, or walking to the store can become playful learning opportunities when approached with curiosity and joy.

The Runningbrook Approach: Play as the Foundation for Learning

At Runningbrook International Preschool, our dedication to play-based learning reflects our commitment to developing the whole child. Our small group sizes allow our dedicated educators to observe each child's interests and learning styles, creating personalized opportunities for growth through play.

Our extensive indoor and outdoor play spaces are intentionally designed to stimulate curiosity, support social interaction, and provide varied learning experiences. From our Growing Steps program for babies and toddlers to our Pre-Kinder program for older children, play remains at the heart of our approach.

We believe that through play, children develop not just academic readiness but the essential life skills that truly matter: self-esteem, social confidence, creativity, independence, and curiosity. These are the foundations that will serve them throughout their lives, regardless of what path they choose.

As one of Santiago's leading bilingual preschools since 1993, we've seen how our play-based philosophy helps children from diverse cultural backgrounds thrive—not just academically but as confident, caring individuals ready to engage with our complex world.

Conclusion: Honoring Childhood Through Play

In our fast-paced world where there's often pressure for early academic achievement, remember that play is not an extra or a reward—it's the primary way young children learn. By supporting your child's natural inclination to play, you're not just allowing them to have fun; you're giving them the best possible foundation for future success.

At Runningbrook International Preschool, we partner with families to create an environment where every child can develop through joyful discovery. We invite you to visit our center in Santiago to see firsthand how play transforms into meaningful learning experiences for our diverse community of young learners.

When we honor a child's right to play, we honor childhood itself—with all its wonder, joy, and immense potential.