These 3 things will change the way you think about kids' play.

Somewhere in those hazy crazy pre-teen years, play goes from being what we pursue ahead of all else, to something trivial, silly — a thing we simply don’t have time for. 

This is the magic of raising young kids. Not only do we get to play again ourselves, but we also get to watch our little ones’ minds make sense of everything around them through imaginative and creative play. 

Recently, nightly baths with my three-year-old have become the setting to play out his full day at preschool. We get into the car (one end of the tub), do drop-off (complete with cuddles and kisses), and then as I get back into my car and drive to work (the other end of the tub), he acts out his day of learning and play.

I don’t think many of us realise that by the time our kiddos turn five, their marvellous little minds have ticked off 90 per cent of their development. That’s what makes it so important for parents, carers and educators to nurture their development in those precious years, so we can set them up for lifelong learning.

But don’t just take my word for it. In the most extensive longitudinal study ever conducted on the subject of early childhood education and care, Melbourne University researchers found that kids in third grade who attended early education programs were somewhere between 15 to 30 weeks ahead of their peers. 

What many of us may not realise is when our kids play, they are not just having fun; they're learning through exploring the world around them. Play-based learning is game-changing for little minds, and here are three big reasons why.

1. Kids use play to make sense of the world around them.

A young child’s environment plays a crucial role in their development into big kids and adults. 

Recently, my son has started asking me to go exploring with him in the garden. He says, “Want to see something really special?” and points out a worm or a funny little bug. I couldn’t work out where his beautiful mind had pulled this sweet little phrase from until I mentioned it to one of his preschool educators. “Oh, we’ve been going on garden expeditions to learn about the environment, and we say that when we spot something unique.” My kiddo feels so engaged and confident in what he’s learning that he comes home ready to teach me. Oh, my heart. 

Another favourite of his is playing café, which they often do at preschool to help the little ones learn about communication and teamwork while laying foundations for essential numeracy and literacy skills. I always have to pay for my food with tanbark chips and my son never forgets to give me my change. 

Quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) services are a huge part of creating interesting and nurturing environments for so many young families — mine included. Not only is my son having the time of his life, but he's also learning the foundations for numeracy and literacy, which are important for a smooth and successful transition to school. 

Have you ever dropped your little one at care and wondered how on earth the educators are managing to keep a room of energetic munchkins on the mat with their full attention back on them? Don’t underestimate their sweet smiles and welcoming morning cuddles, these educators are trained professionals in the art of childhood education and care, and I love seeing the games and routines they use to help my son feel safe and secure in his class. 

We now sing 'Bee Bee Bumble Bee' every day at home before it's time to wash our hands for dinner just like they do at preschool. 

Image: Supplied.

Early childhood education and care centres include long day care, family day care, community preschools, public preschools and mobile preschool services. They all use play to teach kids about their communities and cultures, through stories, crafts, dance, music, counting and creative outdoor play — which sets the foundation for numeracy and literacy, and eventually a smooth, successful transition to school.

My four-year-old niece recently taught me Australian Sign Language (ASL) for the song 'I Can Sing a Rainbow' and recited an Acknowledgement of Country. I've never been more in awe of that little girl.

If you’re looking to enrol your child, or you’re in the process of finding the perfect centre, head to the NSW Department of Education website for information on the benefits, plus to get help finding the right centre for your family’s early learning journey. 

2. Play helps kids develop a sense of themselves.

The art of play doesn’t just help them learn how this weird and wonderful world works; it actually helps them to understand who they are in it. You might not know it just looking at a group of three-year-olds sitting around a table with kinetic sand, but their little brains are firing with a deeper understanding of who they are and where they belong. 

According to the NSW Department of Education, kids who attend play-based early learning have the opportunity to arrive at school better equipped with skills such as empathy, self-regulation, sharing and friendship. 

When a child participates in play-based activities, especially in a group with other kids, they learn how to negotiate, how to share, to have patience, and to follow instructions, as well as how to harness their curiosity and creativity.

3. Their first five years of play-based learning impact their future performance.

From pregnancy to age five, a little one's brain is developing faster than at another other time in life. The first five years are a time of rapid development when they’re laying down the foundations for lifelong learning. 

Research out of Finland confirms just how far-reaching the impacts of early childhood education and care can be. Researchers looked at the academic performance of 15-year-olds who had attended early childhood education and care compared with peers who hadn’t. They found the teens in the early childhood education and care group showed better performance in several areas.

My little one is currently learning all about a new number each day. Yesterday, he painted the number 12, counted 12 blocks and read books about groupings of 12 cars, houses, cupcakes and cats. I’ll never stop being astonished by how quickly he can master a new skill or learn a new system, and I have his educators to thank for making sure his beautiful mind is always growing while he’s in their care.

Visit the NSW Department of Education website for more information about early childhood education and how to find a service. Check out the Parent and Carer Information Hub for services and resources to support you during the first 5 years of a child's life.

Feature Image: Supplied.