The Play-way Method of Early Childhood Education
Learning through play is the best way for children to make sense of the world around them, it also inculcates a sense of
expression via creativity and imagination. We have all played different games where we’ve jumped into our imagination and
imitated the world around us. While the focus of learning is through play, the other skills worked upon in the background
include cognitive skills, language and communication skills, fine motor and gross motor skills, interpersonal skills,
environmental awareness and social skills. This in-turn aids the holistic development of children.
In their early years, children are hands-on learners, and love to explore the world through their senses - by feeling, touching,
smelling and even tasting! Working with solid objects helps children understand concepts better, even abstract concepts. For
example, working with blocks allows for a fun way to ‘construct’ things, and at the same time learn concepts like stacking,
sorting, shape and pattern forming. It is also possible to learn abstract concepts – like to see how one can form a rectangle out
of two square blocks. This builds the foundation for logical and critical thinking skills later in life.
Pretend play, such as pretending to go to the market or playing house, is extremely beneficial for children to express
themselves, imitate what they see in their surroundings, lean how to control their emotions, interact with others, resolve
conflict and build confidence. This is also a great method for children to express their interest in different fields right from an
early age.
The benefits of the Playway Method:
 Find meaning in experiences: Through play and expression, children can connect to the world around them. In
‘pretend play’, children act out existing experiences in depth and therefore find deeper meanings to these
experiences. They are also able to create different scenarios that they may have been a part of or seen during their
day-to-day life.
 Finding joy and fun: Activities associated with play automatically bring a sense of joy – this is apparent even when
one sees adults engaging in card games and other games.
 Motivation and Interest: The main foundational pillars that are achieved through this method are motivation and
interest. Through play, children identify different areas of interest – and through observation, their parents and
caregivers will be able to understand the different areas that children are most interested in. This helps lay a guide to
build a strong foundational level that includes different activities that peak a child’s interest. Increased interest
automatically increases a child’s motivation to participate in the activity and thrive, this helps build competence and
confidence right from an early age.
 Leads to deeper learning: Even through play, children are building existing skills, learning new ones, engaging with
the people around them, trying new methods, and overcoming challenges and obstacles. All this leads them to diving
deeper into the activities they are engaged in, and therefore to a deeper learning.
 Social development: While playing, children communicate with other adults and with their peers as well. They
communicate their understanding, ideas and experiences; listen to others; form bonds; resolve conflicts, and thus
build a deeper understanding of and strong relationships with others.