Many parents associate play with mess—blocks scattered across the floor, paint smudges on the table, and endless cleanups. However, Claire points out messy play is an essential part of how children learn through play. Young kids use their five senses to explore the world, which is why they are drawn to activities like banging objects together, mixing paints, mouthing objects, or building wobbly block towers. These seemingly chaotic moments are actually wonderful opportunities for hands-on learning, allowing children to experiment, test ideas, and uncover how things work. 

 

Adjusting our parental expectations a bit can allow us to see a child mixing blue and yellow paints to make green as a child who is learning basic color theory and cause-and-effect relationships.  A child stacking blocks is deeply ingrained in early math and science concepts, such as balance and gravity. Messy play fosters curiosity and encourages children to explore without fear of failure, making it a cornerstone of their development. 

The role of early education programs

When considering child care options, it’s important to ask about the center’s philosophy or framework for play. At Bright Horizons, Discovery Driven Learning™ combines decades of research from leading child development experts. This approach prioritizes play as a cornerstone of learning, encouraging children to explore their curiosity, use their imaginations, and pursue their interests.

A play-based curriculum ensures that children are not only developing essential academic skills but also honing critical social, emotional, and problem-solving abilities. For parents, knowing that their child’s center values play provides reassurance that their child is receiving a well-rounded education.

Play supports multidimensional growth 

One of the most remarkable aspects of play is how it integrates multiple areas of learning at once. Claire explains that when a child is playing with playdough, they are not just developing fine motor skills—they are also enhancing their language abilities by describing their creations, practicing math by measuring shapes and counting, and engaging in emotional regulation when something doesn’t go as planned. 

Play is inherently interdisciplinary, combining elements of science, art, social-emotional learning, and physical development. Each playful moment checks multiple boxes for school readiness and life skills, making it one of the most effective ways for children to grow and thrive. 

Tips for encouraging play

Parents don’t need expensive toys or elaborate setups to encourage meaningful play.

Instead:

• Embrace the mess: Let your child explore freely, knowing that the mess is part of how children learn through play.
• Prioritize unstructured time: Allow space for spontaneous, child-led play without rigid schedules.
• Ask the right questions: When choosing a child care center, inquire about its play philosophy to ensure it aligns with your child’s needs.

Tune into episode 3 of “Play Matters” with Bright Horizons to learn more about how play serves as a foundation for success and the benefits of play in early childhood development. Our next episode is our final episode of the series. Check it out!