Why Experiential Learning and Play Are Essential for Your Child’s Development at Every Stage
Why Experiential Learning and Play Are Essential for Your Child's Development at Every Stage
While worksheets and textbooks have their place, kids learn best when actively building, playing, and exploring the world around them.
That’s where experiential learning and play-based education step in, making lessons more than just facts to memorise. These approaches foster a hands-on environment where kids learn science through experimentation.
They experience teamwork by building forts and solving puzzles together. This kind of learning is memorable because it feels real, exciting, and fun.
Schools adopting frameworks like IB curriculum schools in Hyderabad, are leading the way in integrating play and experiential learning into their programs.
But why does this matter for your child’s growth?
And how does early childhood education benefit from it? Let’s break it down.
What is Experiential Learning?
Experiential learning is a process of learning through experience or action. It helps students gain knowledge and value whereby students “learn by doing.”
It is about engaging in activities, reflecting on those experiences, and applying lessons in real-world contexts.
It not only improves academic performance but supports a child’s holistic development.
- Cognitive Development –
It helps students strengthen their problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, enhance memory retention, and develop analytical & decision-making skills.
2. Emotional Development –
Experiential learning helps children handle emotions by building confidence & self-awareness, encourages resilience, and promotes empathy.
3. Social Development –
Play-based activities strengthen communication and teamwork by encouraging collaboration, teaching active listening, and promoting cultural awareness.
The Role of Play in Child Development
Paly learning is a powerful tool for learning and development that combines experiential learning, play becomes even more impactful, helping children build creativity, problem-solving abilities, and social skills.
In fact, many early childhood education programs recognise playful learning as a fundamental part of learning.
IB curriculum Schools in Hyderabad often incorporate play-based learning into their teaching methods that helps nurture curiosity, independent thinking, and social-emotional development.
Types of Play in Child Development
- Structured Play – Structured play involves organised activities with rules, goals, and clear objectives. It helps children learn discipline, focus, and teamwork.
2. Unstructured Play – Unstructured play is spontaneous, self-directed, and free from predefined rules. It allows children to explore their environment, use their imagination, and make independent decisions.
3. Imaginative Play – Imaginative play, or pretend play, lets children step into different roles and scenarios, stimulating their creativity and empathy.
Experiential Learning and Play Across Developmental Stages
Children learn differently at different ages, and experiential learning and play should evolve to meet these developmental needs. Here’s how these methods benefit children at various stages:
- Early Childhood (Ages 2-6 years) –
Children are naturally curious and eager to explore their surroundings. Sensory play, such as playing with sand, clay, or water, stimulates brain development by engaging multiple senses simultaneously.
In IB Syllabus schools in Hyderabad, activities such as storytelling, interactive games, and outdoor play are incorporated into the curriculum to develop skills.
2. Early Childhood (Ages 2-6 years) –
Children are naturally curious and eager to explore their surroundings. Sensory play, such as playing with sand, clay, or water, stimulates brain development by engaging multiple senses simultaneously.
In IB Syllabus schools in Hyderabad, activities such as storytelling, interactive games, and outdoor play are incorporated into the curriculum to develop skills.
3. Adolescence (Aged 13-18 years) –
Play and experiential learning in adolescents help in holistic development. It allows them to learn through hands-on experiences, engage in creative inquiry, and actively develop critical thinking, social skills, and emotional intelligence.
How Schools Incorporate Experiential and Play Learning
Let’s walk through different ways schools incorporate these methods into their classrooms –
- Turning Classrooms in Interactive Labs
Schools prioritise experiential and play learning by transforming boring lectures and classrooms into dynamic, hands-on labs. This helps students experience and track progress so that they can learn independently.
2. Turning Classrooms in Interactive Labs
Schools prioritise experiential and play learning by transforming boring lectures and classrooms into dynamic, hands-on labs. This helps students experience and track progress so that they can learn independently.
3. Play-Integrated Lessons
Teachers use sensory play stations in early childhood education programs to boost creativity and cognitive development. Kids learn best when they enjoy learning.
4. Outdoor Exploration
Nature and the environment are the ultimate classroom. Schools provide a creative outdoor learning space where kids explore nature, observe wildlife, and conduct environmental experiments to learn and understand.
Conclusion
Experiential learning and play are important educational tools focusing on holistic child development. Children develop the cognitive, social, and emotional skills needed to achieve lifelong success by actively engaging in hands-on activities, creative play, and problem-solving challenges.
At TSRA, with the IB curriculum, we provide a personalised learning experience to help students become curious, adaptable, and confident learners.
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