October 2022

What types of playing boosts learning?

In one recent paper, we’ve delved into the link between specific activities and learning. There’s some promising research – but more is needed.

  1. Physical play

There’s some evidence that outdoor play between lessons can help school children learn and concentrate more when they get back into class. And that physical play might also help some children manage their emotions and do better in cognitive lessons, such as maths.

 

  1. Play with objects

We’ve seen a link between playing with blocks and other objects, and problem-solving. In some studies, very young children who play with objects also have slightly higher language skills at 22 months, and older children who play with blocks seem to be better at reading than those who don’t. But, lots of these studies were small, and nearly all of them were with children under the age of 7.

 

  1. Symbolic play (or word play)

These studies look at whether songs, word games and repeating sounds, as well as writing and drawing, boost learning.

Unsurprisingly, language play seems to help children hone their language skills and playing with music in particular might give children’s communication skills the biggest boost.

  1. Pretend play

Even though we’ve seen lots of studies on pretend play, we haven’t seen a lot of conclusive evidence. But there is some data to show that fantasy play can help boost working memory. Hopefully we’ll see more studies in this area soon.

 

  1. Games with rules

Most of the research we’ve seen looks at computer games designed for learning STEM subjects. But we also know understanding and negotiating rules in physical games gives children an ideal opportunity to practise their social, cognitive and emotional skills. And some smaller studies show board games, such as snakes and ladders, helping children improve their counting skills as they move across the board.

 

There’s a lot of evidence out there, but also a lot more we still need to learn. To take a closer look at the research on those five types of play, browse our research library.

Explore the research

What do children (and grown-ups) have to say about play?
We asked children around the world what they thought about play. Here’s what they had to say
At home, In the classroom, Future skills
Learning through play: what the science says
Do you know that play builds brains? We look at research that shows how playful learning experiences lay the foundations for brain development and develops 21st century skills
In the classroom, At home, Future skills
The relationship between learning through play and holistic skills
Learning through play helps children develop the skills they need to thrive. And we’ve got an ever-growing body of evidence to illustrate it. Take a look.
Future skills, In the classroom
Positive play in a digital age
Children spend more time online than ever – so it is vitally important that digital platforms are a safe space to explore and learn through play. Here’s how organisations are steering industry and governments to put children’s wellbeing first.
Technology, Wellbeing
The power of playful parenting
When children develop strong, playful bonds with parents and caregivers, the benefits last a lifetime. Here’s why it’s always worth getting more play in every day.
At home
Why creativity matters and how play nurtures creative minds
Creativity is instinctive in children – and just as essential in adults. Here’s an introduction to what we know so far about why and how we should make space for children to hone creative skills.
In the classroom, At home, Future skills, Systems reform
Technology & play
Technology is now embedded in children’s lives: how does it affect the way they play, learn and develop critical skills?
In the classroom, At home, Future skills, Technology
How can reading be more playful?
Play is a powerful tool for children's language development. Here's why playful reading is so important.
In the classroom, Future skills
Playful Learning and Joyful Parenting
Small changes to everyday moments can bring more joy to the job of parenting and help every child reach their full potential.
At home
Rebuilding systems around social and emotional learning
Social and emotional learning is every bit as vital as reading and writing - especially now. We spoke to policymakers around the world about how they’re reshaping education around these essential skills.
Future skills, Wellbeing
How children thrive on play
Dive into the evidence for play’s vital role in child development.
At home, In the classroom, Future skills
Engaging young children in play
Children get more out of play when they take the lead. But the science shows us adults can – and should – join in. Here’s why
In the classroom, At home