The Power of Play: A window into real-life skills and development.
At Wild Gully, play is not just what we offer; it's our core value and the heart of everything we do. We don’t just encourage play — we understand it deeply, educate about it, and advocate for its importance. But to truly appreciate the value of play, you need to be immersed in it, constantly researching and surrounded by other passionate, like-minded professionals. Play reveals its full impact when we step back, observe, and give children the freedom to explore and create their own experiences.
Recently, my colleague and I observed a wonderful example of this in action. A group of children, filled with curiosity and energy, were using a makeshift pulley system to lift water over a branch. This simple setup unlocked an incredible array of learning opportunities. There were moments of conflict as they worked to find a rhythm, triumphs in teamwork as they pulled together, instances of problem-solving, and growth in social skills. Their collaboration highlighted their developing oral language skills and reinforced the importance of trust and compromise. They experienced success and failure firsthand, learning more from these experiences than words could convey.
For early childhood educators, it can be tempting to jump in and “help” or “fix” situations. But our role is to step back, observe, and tune into the process without interruption. Children need this space to explore independently, allowing their own ideas to come to life. When we step in too soon or too often, we unintentionally send the message that we don’t trust their instincts or value their play — stifling their budding autonomy and natural problem-solving skills.
Childhood Development and Play Schemas
When children play, they’re naturally engaging in what child development experts call “play schemas,” or repeating play patterns that help them make sense of the world. Each schema builds essential foundations in areas like problem-solving, spatial awareness, motor skills, and emotional intelligence. Watching a child carry water with a pulley, for instance, taps into a trajectory schema (moving things from one place to another) and a rotation schema (exploring circular movements). These schemas aren’t random; they’re how children instinctively build an understanding of physics, cause and effect, and other critical concepts.
These foundational experiences go beyond academic learning, contributing to a child’s overall cognitive, social, and emotional growth. When children play freely, they learn to trust themselves, to manage risks, and to rely on their instincts. Each experience builds upon the last, and over time, children become more capable, confident, and resilient.
The Core Principles of Play: Independence and Autonomy
Play is a natural process, one that doesn’t need to be directed but rather supported. It’s essential for children to feel that their play is valued and that they’re trusted to make choices. When children have autonomy, they’re more motivated and engaged. This sense of independence instills confidence and sets a foundation for lifelong learning.
One of the core principles of play is the right to freedom and self-direction. This freedom doesn’t mean there aren’t any boundaries, but rather that children are given the chance to navigate within safe limits. As they do so, they develop self-regulation, persistence, and resilience, skills that are critical for managing challenges in real life.
Life Skills Learned Through Play
Through unstructured play, children develop vital life skills that aren’t easily taught through direct instruction. They learn about conflict resolution and collaboration, realising that teamwork requires compromise and patience. They experience cause and effect, understanding that their actions have consequences, whether successful or not. They explore self-expression and refine their communication skills, navigating how to express their needs and ideas respectfully.
These experiences contribute to essential life skills, including:
- Social Skills: Learning how to communicate, negotiate, and cooperate with others.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Facing challenges and finding creative solutions.
- Emotional Regulation: Experiencing ups and downs in play helps children understand and manage their feelings.
- Risk Management: Knowing how to gauge risks and decide on safe boundaries builds confidence and courage.
Advocating for Children’s Right to Play
In a world that often prioritises structured learning and measurable outcomes, it’s crucial to advocate for the rights of children to play freely. Play is not “just play.” It’s a child’s way of learning about themselves, others, and the world around them. Play is where they practice real-world skills and develop a sense of agency. Our role as educators and advocates is to protect this time, to recognize its profound value, and to trust that children, when given the space, will grow into capable and confident individuals.
By fostering environments where play is valued and trusted, we’re empowering children to step into their own capabilities and preparing them for lifelong learning. Let’s continue to champion play, not as an add-on to learning, but as the foundation for all development — one pulley, one branch, one moment at a time.
