Do you remember running barefoot across the grass, playing tag and building forts out of blankets and chairs? How about catching fireflies on a hot summer night, cuddling up with your favorite stuffed animal or doing a puzzle with your parents? Did you know that these treasured moments of childhood were also helping shape you into a competent adult? Well, the science is in.
Play is more than a childhood pastime — it’s at the very heart of how children grow and develop. Think about the pure joy that a child has when building a tower out of blocks or drawing a treasure map. These moments aren’t just fun they’re shaping how young brains develop.
"We now have a large – and growing – pool of evidence to show that learning through play is the best way to support learning," says the LEGO Foundation. And they’re right. Play doesn’t merely put a smile on a child’s face — it builds their cognitive, social and emotional skills. Whether it’s a spontaneous game of hide-and-seek or a more organized activity like a memory matching game, these playful moments are hard at work shaping developing minds.
Play develops executive function skills that “operate like an air traffic control system in the brain, guiding us in how we process information, make decisions and plan for the future,” according to Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child. These skills; self-regulation, working memory, flexible thinking—are foundational for success in school and life.
Consider a child playing without structure, imagining they are a pirate on the open seas, that unstructured play encourages creativity and independence. Then there is structured play, such as a collective game during circle time, which fosters teamwork and imparts social rules. Both forms of play are essential, providing distinct and complementary benefits.
The Importance of Sensory and Hands-On Play
Sensory play is not just about getting messy (although, to be honest, that’s some of the fun!). It is about using all five senses to engage the connections being made in a child’s brain. “Fine motor skills, such as tying your shoe, writing and zipping your coat, can develop through this type of play,” the Cleveland Clinic notes.
Seemingly simple activities like a child tracing tactile letters with their fingers or feeling the various textures in a sensory bin are laying the foundation for language development, problem-solving skills and motor coordination. The LEGO Foundation’s research emphasizes how playing through hands-on experiences drives deeper engagement and understanding. As children play with toys or puzzles that challenge their senses, they learn and they bloom emotionally and socially, developing confidence and resilience.
Why Educational Toys Are Important
Let’s discuss toys — not all toys are created equal. Quality educational toys do more than keep kids busy; they educate, inspire creativity, challenge critical thinking, and grow with a child’s needs. Research shows that tools like puzzles, building blocks, and sensory manipulatives encourage learning while making playtime purposeful.
At PreKwithMe, we create toys designed to spark those "aha!" moments. Our Leveled Learning Alphabet Tray and Puzzle transforms learning the alphabet into an immersive experience, connecting touch with understanding. Multi-tier puzzles encourage children to think critically while building fine motor skills. And our themed learning bundles? They’re tailor-made to meet developmental milestones while keeping playtime fun and engaging.
Play is an important component of long-term success
Research from the field of educational psychology has documented that children who experience rich, play-based learning environments tend to fare better academically and have better social-emotional skills in their later years.
Play is the secret sauce of childhood, it’s what makes learning feel like magic. It ignites curiosity, nourishes a passion for learning, and provides children with the tools to grow and thrive. Play helps children discover their place in the world. From sensory exploration to educational toys, every playful moment is an opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive.
Check out the PreKwithMe.com Seasonal Discovery Boxes, they are such a game-changer. This carefully curated collection of toys and activities make it easier for parents and educators, allowing them to easily incorporate meaningful play into their daily lives. And they’re delivered right to your front door, making them a painless way to keep play as a pillar of your child’s development.
At PreKwithMe we can help you channel those magical moments of play into a love of learning that will last a lifetime. Because when children play, they’re not just having fun—they’re unlocking their potential.
About the Authors
With over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, curriculum development, and the creation of educational toys, the PreKwithMe team is dedicated to helping children learn through play. Our mission is to inspire a love of learning by combining research-backed practices with engaging, hands-on tools for parents and educators alike.
References
- LEGO Foundation. "The Scientific Case for Learning Through Play."
- Harvard University Center on the Developing Child. "Executive Function & Self-Regulation."
- Cleveland Clinic. "The Benefits of Sensory Play."
