Play is learning: why play fuels education for children of all ages
Learning through play: From early years to teens
In England, play often gets treated as a nice extra, something squeezed in when the “real work” is done. But research, and decades of experience in home education, show that play is not a break from learning. It is learning. When we think of play, we often picture young children with building blocks or playground games. But the power of play goes far beyond early years. From imaginative make-believe to complex strategy games, playful experiences feed the brain, build resilience, and nurture the social and emotional skills children need for life.
The research is clear
Neuroscientists have found that play lights up the brain in ways that traditional instruction simply can’t. It engages multiple areas at once - problem-solving, memory, language, and emotional regulation - making learning stick. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play supports executive function, boosts creativity, and strengthens relationships.
In Finland, where education consistently tops global rankings, children have far more unstructured playtime than their peers in England. Breaks are frequent, lessons are shorter, and the value of joy in learning is non-negotiable. The result? Higher levels of engagement, less burnout, and well-rounded young people.
Play is not just for little ones
Older children and teenagers still need playful, open-ended experiences. They may no longer be building castles in the sandpit, but they still benefit from worlds where creativity and experimentation lead the way. In our house, this has looked like Dungeons & Dragons sessions — where storytelling, maths, problem-solving, and collaboration all come into play without a single worksheet. It looked like elaborate Lego builds, filled with engineering challenges and creative problem-solving. It looked like homemade “escape rooms” weaving puzzles, logic, and design into unforgettable afternoons. None of it came from a textbook. All of it was rich, deep, and lasting learning.
Why play works
Play creates an emotional connection to learning. When children are curious and having fun, they’re more motivated, more persistent, and more willing to take risks. That’s how they build confidence, resilience, and the ability to approach challenges creatively. And importantly, play is self-driven. That autonomy means children learn how to plan, adapt, and take responsibility for their own learning journey. These are skills that will outlast any specific curriculum.
Let’s stop seeing play as optional
The pressure to “do more academics” can be strong, especially if you’re home educating. But remember: play isn’t the opposite of work, it’s the foundation that makes deeper learning possible. For children of all ages, it’s how ideas take root, connections are made, and a love of learning grows.
So the next time your child is lost in a game, a project, or an imaginary world, know this: they’re not wasting time. They’re building their mind, their heart, and their future.
Research highlights: the science of play
- Boosts brain development – Play strengthens neural connections and supports problem-solving, memory, and creativity (Lester & Russell, Play for a Change, 2008).
- Improves academic outcomes – Finnish schools with frequent breaks and unstructured playtime consistently outperform systems with longer formal lessons (OECD, PISA results).
- Supports emotional well-being – Play reduces stress hormones and builds resilience, especially for children facing anxiety (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2018).
- Builds life skills – Games and imaginative activities develop teamwork, negotiation, adaptability, and perseverance.
- Long-lasting benefits – Self-directed play fosters autonomy and a lifelong love of learning (Peter Gray, Free to Learn, 2013).
