As parents and educators, we want our children to have the best start in life. We want them to develop the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. One approach that has gained popularity in recent years is play-based learning. This approach recognizes that play is essential to a child’s development. It can help them learn essential life skills. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of play-based learning for 2-year-olds.

What is Play-Based Learning?

It is an approach to education that emphasizes the need for play in a child’s development. It recognizes that play is a natural way for children to learn. Children learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process. Play-based learning involves structured activities that are fun and engaging for children. These activities help children develop the skills they need to succeed in life.

Benefits of Play-Based Learning In School For 2 Year Olds

Play-based learning has many benefits for 2-year-olds. Here are some of the important ones:

1. Promotes Creativity

Play-based learning encourages children to use their imaginations and be creative. When children have the freedom to explore and play, they can express their ideas freely. Play also allows children to experiment with different materials and textures. These can lead to discoveries and innovation. 

The freedom that play-based learning provides helps children develop their confidence and self-esteem. When they use their imaginations, they become more passionate and enthusiastic about learning. This can be beneficial for their future academic success.

2. Enhances Social Skills

It also provides opportunities for children to interact with other kids. This helps them develop their social skills. Through play, children learn how to share, take turns, and communicate with others. They also learn how to negotiate, compromise, and resolve conflicts. These are essential skills for building positive relationships. 

Also, play-based learning allows children to explore and experiment with social roles. This leads to the development of empathy and social awareness. 

3. Improves Language Skills

Another benefit is that it can help children develop their language skills. When children engage in play, they use language to communicate with others. This helps them develop their vocabulary and learn how to express themselves. 

Play also provides opportunities for children to practice and experiment with language. This leads to increased language proficiency. And thus, a better understanding of the world around them. 

4. Develops Problem-Solving Skills

Play-based learning provides opportunities for children to solve problems on their own. They are more likely to develop such skills when they have the freedom to explore and experiment. Play allows children to develop their creativity, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Through play, children can learn to persevere through challenges and setbacks. Which leads to increased resilience and self-efficacy.

5. Enhances Physical Development

Last but not least, play helps children develop their motor skills. Through play, children can develop their coordination and balance. It allows children to practice movement and physical activity. This leads to increased physical fitness and overall health. 

Play-based learning also lets children explore their physical environment. This leads to increased spatial awareness and sensory integration. 

In summary, play-based learning provides a wide range of benefits at every school for 2-year-olds. It can enhance social and language skills,  developing creativity and problem-solving abilities. It also provides opportunities for physical development. This leads to increased physical fitness and health. Through play, educators and parents can help kids develop crucial skills that will benefit them.

School For 2 Year Olds And Play-Based Learning Activities

Here are some examples of play-based learning activities that are suitable for 2-year-olds:

1. Sensory Play 

Sensory play lets kids explore different textures, smells, and tastes. It helps them use their senses to learn new things. Playing with playdough improves hand-eye coordination. And finger painting enhances creativity and touch skills. A sensory bin with rice, beans, or sand introduces kids to different shapes and textures.

2. Dramatic Play 

Dramatic play involves pretending to be someone or something else. It boosts imagination and creativity. Plus, it helps with developing social skills such as empathy and cooperation. Dressing up allows kids to explore different identities. And role-playing with dolls or action figures enhances language skills through character conversations.

3. Building and Construction Play 

This involves building structures using blocks, legos, or other materials. It develops problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and creativity. Children learn about cause and effect, balance, and stability by building toys. They also improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Building and construction play encourages collaborative work with others.

4. Outdoor Play 

Through this activity, kids explore their environment and develop physical skills. Running, jumping, and climbing improve gross motor skills. Sand or water play enhances hand-eye coordination and touch senses. It also helps kids develop social skills through interactions with others. Outdoor play introduces kids to nature and the world around them.

Conclusion

Play-based learning is a valuable approach to education. It provides children with opportunities to learn enjoyably. This is why schools need to incorporate play-based learning activities into their childcare curriculum. It can help 2-year-olds develop the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. And as parents, we can also encourage play at home to support our children’s development.

FAQs

Is play-based learning suitable for all children?

Yes, play-based learning is suitable for all children. This is regardless of their background or ability.

How can parents incorporate play-based learning at home?

One way to do this is by providing their children with opportunities to explore, play, and learn. This can include setting up a sensory bin, playing with blocks, or engaging in pretend play.

Are there any downsides to play-based learning?

Some argue that it may not provide enough structure for children. But play-based learning actually provides a balance between free play and structured learning.

How can teachers incorporate play-based learning into their curriculum?

Teachers can do this by letting students engage in interactive activities. Activities that are designed to be fun and engaging.

What are some of the long-term benefits of play-based learning?

The long-term benefits include improved problem-solving skills, increased creativity, and better social skills. Additionally, children who participate in play-based learning are more engaged and motivated learners.

When it comes to caregiving, whether children are being cared for in a group setting (such as childcare, preschool, etc.), relationships are formed. Children of all ages form relationships and attach to their caregivers when their needs are met. This is oftentimes referred to as “The Caregiving Cycle” or “The Secure Base Model.” When a child has an immediate need and that child is unable to help themselves achieve the end goal, they seek support from other sources such as a parent, teacher, sibling, etc.

Why is this important information? Why does it matter? When children are provided the opportunity to create and maintain positive relationships with their parents and teachers, they are offered a, “…safe haven for reassurance when there are difficulties. Thus, a secure base promotes security, confidence, competence and resilience,” (Secure Base Model). In other words, children learn to trust. They learn that when they have a need, it will get met by someone trustworthy that cares for them. For an infant, the need may resemble something as simple as a diaper change. For a toddler, the need may be help regulating ones emotions during a difficult transitional period. No matter the situation or how dire the need is, children rely on adults to assist them. When the adults in a child’s life are meeting need after need, a healthy and secure relationship is created. When that relationship is established, children know that they will be helped. They know that when they are hungry, tired, etc. someone will be there for them. This allows children to focus on other things – rather than the constant worry or fear that they won’t be helped. When their needs are met, this gives children the chance to not only learn, but to also thrive in an environment such as an early childhood learning center.

The cycle looks like this:

1. The child has a need that build in intensity over time.
2. The caregiver intervenes and meets the need of the child.
3. The child is then able to relax.
4. A relaxed child is able to learn and actively participate in activities – learning time!
5. The cycle starts over and begins again at number one.

The Caregiving Cycle is simple, really. Meet the needs of children in a timely and kind manner and the secure base that each child is longing for is created. Parents and teachers can help by offering a predictable pattern of behavior to create happy babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Ms. Morgan

Kids Coach (Infant/Toddlers)
Lead Infant Teacher

Sources:
“Secure Base Model.” University of East Anglia, https://www.uea.ac.uk/…/centre-for…/secure-base-model.

There is a pretty common misconception in society that teachers in early childhood settings are “daycare workers” or “babysitters.” This couldn’t be further from the truth, and is quite frustrating for those of us working in the field. What we know and what we do far exceeds just taking care of children and meeting their basic needs. In this blog, I’ll break early childhood education and educators down and define them.

What is it?

There are four main stages of education: early childhood, elementary, secondary, and post secondary. Early Childhood Education is typically a group setting that is designed to affect developmental changes in children from birth to the age of 5, by using developmentally appropriate practices to create purposeful and meaningful curriculum. Early experiences and interactions in warm and nurturing environments are essential to healthy brain development. The brain develops more rapidly in the first three years than in any other time of life. In the first year alone, it doubles in size, and will be 90% of it’s full size by the age of 5. ECE makes sure the brain and body is supported during this stage of life.

The cool ”science-y” stuff

A newborn baby is born with every neuron (brain cell) they’ll ever have in their life. The connections between these brain cells (synapses) help us to do everything, thinking, communicating, moving, etc. In the early years, at least a million new connections are formed every second, more than any other time in our lives. These connections are needed for important, higher-level abilities like motivation, self-regulation, problem solving, and communicating. During the first years these connections are formed – or not formed, and affect our lives moving forward.

What is an Early Childhood Educator?

Quality Early Childhood Educators are highly experienced and educated. This is an actual profession with college degree programs available. We have degrees, certifications, and lots of ongoing continuing education. We know the developmental stages children go through, how their brains grow and learn, what their bodies are capable of, and how to teach and facilitate learning in all developmental areas. We are definitely not “just” daycare providers or babysitters. More than all of that, teachers in this field must be compassionate, loving, creative, flexible, and willing to adapt. This field and the science behind it are constantly evolving and we all know the dispositions of children are ever changing as well.

Ms. Amy
Onboarding Specialist
Infant Nursery Supervisor