The Power of Play: Why Play-Based Learning Builds Lifelong Skills

Why Play Matters

Play isn’t just a way for children to pass the time, it’s how they make sense of the world. Through play, children develop creativity, resilience, problem-solving skills, and the ability to connect with others. Research shows that play helps children learn to regulate emotions, build language, and develop confidence that will carry them throughout life. The United Nations even recognises play as a fundamental right of every child, highlighting its role in healthy development and wellbeing.

The Australian Context

In Australia, play-based learning is embedded in our national frameworks and supported by growing research. The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF V2.0) identifies play as central to children’s learning, emphasising “intentionality,” educators thoughtfully engaging in play to extend children’s ideas and deepen understanding (AERO).

The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) recently highlighted that intentional play can reduce developmental vulnerabilities and promote greater equity across communities (AERO Discussion Paper). Similarly, Evidence for Learning’s Early Childhood Toolkit reinforces the value of both free and guided play, noting how different types of play support physical growth, self-regulation, and early numeracy and literacy (Evidence for Learning).

Even outdoor programs like beach kinder in Victoria show how play in natural settings can spark curiosity and build early science and maths skills more effectively than traditional classroom lessons (Herald Sun). The evidence is clear: play is not an “extra” - it is the foundation for lifelong learning.

How We Foster Play at Discover My World

At Discover My World Early Learning Centre, play is at the heart of everything we do. Our philosophy aligns with the principles of the EYLF and current Australian research, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive in an environment that is caring, nurturing, and inclusive.

We believe in creating spaces where children feel safe, secure, and a strong sense of belonging. This provides the confidence they need to explore, take risks, and lead their own learning through play. Children are given opportunities for choice and autonomy, which builds independence and decision-making skills.

Our partnerships with families, educators, and the local community ensure that learning extends beyond the classroom. Families are recognised as children’s first and most important teachers, and we value their input in shaping experiences that are meaningful and culturally responsive.

Through thoughtful interactions and intentional teaching, our educators guide play to extend children’s thinking, whether it’s helping them build on a block tower to explore maths concepts, engaging in imaginative storytelling to develop language, or taking learning outdoors to foster curiosity about the natural world.

We also embed sustainability, Indigenous perspectives, and diversity into everyday routines, making play not just joyful but also deeply connected to children’s sense of identity and responsibility. Continuous reflection by our team ensures our environments evolve to meet the needs of every child, supporting both individual and group learning journeys.

The Lifelong Impact of Play

When play is prioritised, children gain so much more than immediate joy, they develop skills that last a lifetime. At Discover My World, play supports:

• Creativity and problem-solving – Children learn to think outside the box and approach challenges with confidence.

• Social and emotional resilience – Play fosters collaboration, empathy, and the ability to manage emotions.

• Academic readiness – Through play, children develop vocabulary, numeracy, scientific inquiry, and early literacy in meaningful, engaging ways.

• Lifelong curiosity and confidence – By making choices and directing their own learning, children build the self-belief that they are capable and competent learners.

  
  

Our Commitment

At Discover My World, play is not just a philosophy, it is our daily practice. We see every playful moment as an opportunity to nurture curiosity, connection, and confidence. By embedding play into every part of our program, we give children the tools to thrive in early childhood and beyond, building strong foundations for life.