What it means
"They just play all day" is a common worry. In a good play-based program, play is planned. Educators set up materials with a goal in mind, watch what children do, and step in at the right moment with a question, a new word or a new challenge.
Australia's Early Years Learning Framework names play-based learning and intentionality as one of the core practices every educator uses. Intentional means educators are deliberate and thoughtful about what children are learning through their play.
Kinds of play
Good programs balance three kinds of play across the day.
Child-led play
Children choose what to do and how. Builds independence, creativity and decision making.
Guided play
Children lead, while an educator adds ideas or questions to stretch their thinking.
Educator-led learning
Short, planned group times such as stories, music or a science experiment.
How it helps children
- Language. Pretend play is full of talk, negotiation and new words.
- Self-regulation. Following the rules of a game and waiting for a turn build self-control.
- Problem solving. Building, sorting and testing ideas teach early maths and science.
- Friendships. Playing together teaches sharing, empathy and resolving conflict.
Things to weigh up
- Because almost every service says it is play-based, the label tells you little. Look at how educators join in and extend play.
- Learning is not always visible as worksheets. Ask how the centre records and shares what your child is learning.
- Many centres combine play-based learning with ideas from Reggio Emilia, Montessori or nature play.
When you visit a centre
Look for
- Educators on the floor playing with children, not just watching
- Play areas set up with a clear purpose
- Long, unhurried stretches of play
Questions to ask
- What is my child learning in this play area?
- How do you plan the program each week?
- How will I see my child's progress?