When children play, it might look like simple fun, but in reality, they are building the foundations for lifelong learning.

At high-quality early learning centres, play is carefully planned and purposefully supported by qualified Educators and Teachers.

Known as play-based learning, this approach helps children develop social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills, while also nurturing curiosity, confidence and creativity.

Key Takeaways

• Play-based learning builds on children’s natural curiosity, allowing them to explore, problem-solve, and develop essential skills through hands-on experiences
• Children develop emotional regulation, communication skills, creativity, early literacy and numeracy, and critical thinking, all through play
• Quality early learning programs like Guardian’s To BE Me use intentional teaching and thoughtful environments to support holistic development
• Play-based learning prepares children for school success by building independence, confidence, and a genuine love of learning

What Is Play-Based Learning?

Play-based learning is an educational approach that builds on children’s natural curiosity and interests. Instead of rushing children from one activity to the next, play-based environments allow for uninterrupted time to explore, experiment, imagine and problem-solve.

“Play-based learning gives children the freedom to follow their interests while still achieving important learning outcomes. When children are deeply engaged in play, that’s when the richest learning happens,” the team from Guardian Cherrybrook.

Educators carefully observe children during play and intentionally extend their learning, introducing new ideas, asking thoughtful questions and providing open-ended materials that can be used in many different ways.

Why Is Play-Based Learning Important?

Play-based learning supports whole-child development, helping children grow in ways that feel natural, joyful and meaningful.

Children are more motivated to learn when experiences are:

• Relevant to their interests
• Open-ended and flexible
• Child-led, with Educator guidance

“Children develop a positive attitude toward learning when they feel ownership over what they’re doing. Through play, children learn how to persist, collaborate, take risks and try again,” the team at Guardian Barton.

This approach also supports the development of:

• Emotional regulation
• Communication and language skills
• Creativity and imagination
• Early numeracy and literacy
• Problem-solving and critical thinking

What Are Children Learning Through Play?

Through play-based experiences, children develop multiple skills at the same time, including:

• Cooperation and teamwork
• Planning and collaborating with peers
• Expressing ideas through construction, art and movement
• Understanding cause and effect
• Mathematical concepts such as measurement, shapes and spatial awareness
• Problem-solving through trial and error

These are the same foundational skills children will draw on throughout school and life.

The Seven Key Areas of Learning

To help families understand their child’s development, learning is often grouped into seven key areas that reflect how children grow and learn holistically.

• I Am Me: Building identity, confidence and emotional wellbeing. Children feel safe, valued and supported to be independent.
• A Good Friend: Developing social skills such as sharing, negotiating, problem-solving and collaboration.
• A Reader: Building early literacy through storytelling, rhyme, rhythm and playful language experiences.
• A Writer: Developing fine motor skills, drawing and mark-making to support early writing.
• A Counter: Learning numeracy concepts like grouping, sorting and counting through hands-on exploration.
• A Mover: Supporting physical development, coordination, health and well-being.
• A Great Thinker: Encouraging curiosity, experimentation, critical thinking and resilience.

The To BE Me Program: An Example of Quality Early Learning

A strong early learning program brings play-based learning to life through intentional teaching, thoughtful environments and meaningful relationships.

Guardian Childcare’s exclusive, sector-leading To BE Me is a comprehensive early learning program designed to support children at every age and stage.

To BE Me provides clear Learning and Development Pathways that guide Educators in planning experiences tailored to each child’s interests, strengths and development.

It brings together curriculum, environments, daily rhythms and interactions to create a consistent, high-quality learning experience.

“Our To BE Me program helps us really understand each child, who they are, how they learn, and what supports their growth. It allows us to personalise learning while still giving children the freedom to explore through play,” the team at Guardian Camberwell.

The program supports families by making learning visible, with regular updates and tools that help parents understand their child’s progress and celebrate milestones along the way.

Supporting Every Age and Stage of Development

Children’s learning needs change rapidly in the early years. Quality early learning programs are designed to support each age and stage, from babies through to school readiness.

• Babies learn through secure, responsive relationships and predictable care routines.
• Toddlers learn through movement, sensory exploration and joyful social play.
• Preschool and Kindergarten-aged children build independence, confidence and early academic skills as well as develop a strong sense of identity, empathy and responsibility within a community.

“Our programs grow with your child. We observe and adapt learning experiences so each child feels confident, capable and excited to learn,” the team at Guardian Sherwood.

Preparing Children for School and Life

Play-based learning is a powerful way to give children a flying start to school. Through play, children develop the skills they need to succeed in a classroom environment, without pressure or stress.

These include:

• Independence and self-regulation
• Listening and communication skills
• Confidence to ask questions and share ideas
• Friendship skills and teamwork
• A genuine love of learning

“When children enjoy learning early on, they carry that confidence with them into school. They see themselves as capable learners,” the team at Guardian Hornsby.

Experience Play-Based Learning With Guardian’s To BE Me Program

Who says learning can’t be fun? At Guardian Childcare, our exclusive To BE Me program brings play-based learning to life. Our qualified Educators and Teachers create stimulating, fun-filled learning environments where children explore, discover, and develop the essential skills they need for school and life.

From personalised Learning and Development Pathways to thoughtfully designed play spaces, we’re committed to supporting your child’s development through meaningful experiences that bring discovery and joy to their everyday life.

Book a tour of your local Guardian centre today or contact us on 13 82 30 to find out how our play-based learning can spark your child’s natural curiosity and love of learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a play-based learning environment?

A play-based learning environment is a thoughtfully designed space filled with open-ended materials that invite children to explore their own interests. You’ll find areas for sensory play and hands-on exploration activities that children engage with naturally. Research shows these play-based learning activities support cognitive development and future academic success more effectively than traditional teaching methods.

What types of play-based learning activities support early childhood development?

Play-based learning activities include sensory play, outdoor play, dramatic play, and unstructured play that help children develop essential skills. Simple experiences like telling stories, singing songs, and imaginative play support language development and cognitive abilities. When we integrate play experiences that allow children to solve problems, make sense of new knowledge, and develop empathy, we’re building a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

What is the Educator’s role in a play-based curriculum?

The Educator’s role in a play-based curriculum is to watch, listen, and gently guide naturally curious children as they explore. Educators support children’s learning by creating engaging play experiences, asking thoughtful questions, and allowing children the active engagement they need to discover and grow.

At Guardian Childcare, our Educators use play as a powerful tool to support holistic development for diverse learners, introducing new challenges at just the right moments.

How does play-based learning support problem-solving skills and logical reasoning?

When children engage in hands-on experiences and unstructured play, they naturally develop problem-solving skills through trial, error, and discovery.

Play theory shows us that sensory experiences help children build cognitive abilities and logical reasoning in ways that feel joyful and meaningful. Through everyday moments like making sense of new words and ideas, they’re developing essential skills for high-level learning.