When it comes to early childhood education, play is more than just fun; it’s a crucial part of learning. At Kids Academy, we follow Affinity Education’s Lifelong Learning Curriculum, which places play-based learning at the heart of our approach. This ensures a nurturing environment where children can explore, grow, and develop essential skills naturally and joyfully.
The Benefits of Play-Based Learning for Child Development
Play-based learning is one of the most effective methods for teaching young children. Studies show that children learn best when they’re engaged in activities that are both meaningful and enjoyable. Through play, children have the freedom to explore, experiment, and make sense of the world around them.
According to the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), play-based learning is fundamental to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), Australia’s national framework for early childhood education. This framework focuses on Belonging, Being, and Becoming, supporting children’s sense of identity, connection, and discovery. Learn more about EYLF standards at ACECQA.
In a play-based curriculum:
- Language skills: Through storytelling, role-playing, and conversations with peers, children build vocabulary and communication skills.
- Social and emotional skills: Playing with others helps children develop empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution - building essential social skills.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking: Open-ended play encourages children to think independently and creatively, helping them build resilience and confidence.
At Kids Academy, we’ve seen firsthand how play-based learning fosters independence, creativity, and a love for learning - qualities that benefit children beyond their early years.
What Does Play-Based Learning Look Like in Early Childhood?
In a play-based learning environment, children engage in activities that encourage exploration, creativity, and self-expression. These activities are intentionally designed to support all areas of development. Here are some examples of what play-based learning looks like at Kids Academy:
- Building Language and Communication Skills
Example Activity: Dress-Up and Role-Playing Games
Children love dressing up and acting out different roles, whether as doctors, chefs, or superheroes. This activity encourages language development as children learn new vocabulary and practice conversation skills. Role-playing also supports social development as children interact with their peers and work together to create stories. - Exploring Math and Science Concepts
Example Activity: Counting and Sorting with Natural Materials
Using items like pebbles, leaves, or shells, children practice sorting, counting, and grouping objects. This introduces basic math concepts like numbers and patterns while allowing children to engage with nature. It also builds problem-solving skills as they explore different ways to classify objects. - Developing Social and Emotional Skills through Group Play
Example Activity: Collaborative Art Projects
In group art projects, children work together to create a mural or large artwork. They learn to share materials, discuss ideas, and collaborate to achieve a shared goal. This activity teaches cooperation, patience, and teamwork - skills essential for social and emotional development. - Encouraging Physical Development
Example Activity: Outdoor Obstacle Course
An obstacle course with tunnels, cones, and balance beams gives children a fun way to improve their balance, coordination, and motor skills. They jump, crawl, and climb, building physical confidence and resilience as they overcome each part of the course. - Nurturing Creativity and Problem-Solving
Example Activity: Exploring with Sand and Water Tables
At sand and water tables, children experiment with different tools to scoop, pour, and measure. They explore cause and effect, developing fine motor skills and an understanding of concepts like volume and texture in a playful, sensory-rich environment.
These activities illustrate how play-based learning can be both enjoyable and educational, allowing children to develop essential skills in a natural, engaging way.
How the Lifelong Learning Curriculum Integrates Play-Based Learning
The Lifelong Learning Curriculum at Kids Academy is designed to maximise the benefits of play-based learning, with a structured, research-based approach to ensure that every child’s playtime is purposeful and enriching.
Here’s how our curriculum integrates play to promote growth and development in key areas:
- Cognitive development through play: Play introduces children to early literacy and numeracy in engaging ways. Activities like counting games, storytelling, and building with blocks lay the foundation for school readiness. Research shows that children retain information more effectively when they’re actively engaged.
- Social and emotional growth: Group play and collaborative activities encourage children to work with others, share, and build empathy. This approach aligns with attachment theory and the Circle of Security, which focuses on building trusting relationships. These interactions help children develop confidence and a positive self-image.
- Physical development and coordination: Physical play is essential for developing motor skills, coordination, and balance. At Kids Academy, children have access to safe, stimulating play environments that encourage movement and active exploration.
- Language and communication skills: Drawing from the Abecedarian Approach, our curriculum emphasises language-rich interactions. Through storytelling, conversation, and role-play, children expand their vocabulary and language comprehension, building a strong foundation in literacy.
Key Programs within the Lifelong Learning Curriculum at Kids Academy
Kids Academy enriches play-based learning with specialised programs that provide children with diverse opportunities to explore their interests and develop essential skills.
- Big Thinkers STEM: Introducing foundational concepts in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), this program allows children to explore STEM in an age-appropriate way, building problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- Positive Living Skills: Teaching social and emotional skills, Positive Living Skills helps children build self-awareness, resilience, and positive behaviour - crucial for healthy interactions and emotional wellbeing.
- Aussie Wildlife Champions: This program fosters respect for nature, introducing children to Australia’s unique wildlife and the importance of conservation.
- Wandana Aboriginal Education: Kids Academy is committed to teaching children about Australia’s rich cultural heritage. Through Wandana Aboriginal Education, children learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, traditions, and perspectives, promoting inclusivity.
- Early Years Toolbox: To support school readiness, we use the Early Years Toolbox to assess each child’s strengths and areas for growth, allowing us to tailor learning experiences to meet individual needs.
- MathSeeds and Reading Eggs: These interactive programs build confidence in foundational literacy and numeracy, complementing classroom activities with engaging, age-appropriate content.
Each of these programs enhances the Lifelong Learning Curriculum, ensuring that play-based learning at Kids Academy is diverse, purposeful, and enriching.
Preparing Children for School with Play-Based Learning
One of the main goals of the Lifelong Learning Curriculum is to prepare children for a smooth transition to primary school. By incorporating foundational literacy, numeracy, and social skills through play, children at Kids Academy develop the confidence they need for academic success.
Through play-based learning, children at Kids Academy:
- Build independence: Play allows children to make choices, solve problems, and become self-reliant.
- Develop emotional resilience: Group play and guided activities help children manage emotions, navigate challenges, and foster a positive self-image.
- Foster curiosity and a love for learning: The hands-on, exploratory nature of play-based learning cultivates a sense of wonder and a lifelong desire to learn.
These qualities support academic success and provide children with essential life skills that will benefit them well beyond early childhood.
Why Choose Kids Academy for Play-Based Learning?
At Kids Academy, we believe that play is essential to early education. Through our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, we offer a structured, research-backed approach to play-based learning that nurtures each child’s unique journey. Our alignment with the standards of ACECQA and the Early Years Learning Framework ensures that children receive the best possible foundation for their future.
Choosing Kids Academy means providing your child with a supportive, engaging environment where they can explore, grow, and develop essential skills through play. With a curriculum that integrates traditional and contemporary approaches and specialised programs like Big Thinkers STEM and Positive Living Skills, we deliver a truly unique early learning experience.
Interested in seeing how our play-based curriculum can benefit your child? Find your nearest Kids Academy, book a tour and discover why play is at the heart of learning and development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Play-based learning uses play as the primary method for teaching, allowing children to explore and learn essential skills in a fun, natural way.
Our curriculum leverages play to develop cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills, integrating evidence-based practices to ensure each child’s growth and readiness for school.
Kids Academy’s Lifelong Learning Curriculum includes specialised programs like Big Thinkers STEM, Positive Living Skills, Wandana Aboriginal Education, and Aussie Wildlife Champions, creating a holistic and enriching experience.