Why Play Makes Little Learners Big Thinkers

11th July 2025 The Manthan School

You’ve probably heard someone say, “Play is the work of children.” It might sound simple, but it’s actually very true.
Play is one of the most important ways young children learn. It helps them grow, think, and understand the world. At The Manthan School, we see play as a powerful learning tool, and we make sure our students have time and space to explore through play every day.
In fact, research shows that playful learning improves children’s brain development, social skills, and emotional strength, helping them succeed later in school and life.

What Is Play?

Play is more than toys or games. It can be quiet or loud, messy or neat, done alone or with others. It includes activities like:

Pretending to be a doctor or a superhero

Building with blocks

Drawing or painting

Running, jumping, or climbing

Even just sitting and imagining stories

Play doesn’t have to look a certain way. What matters is that the child is leading the activity, choosing what to do, and having fun.

1. Play Sparks Creativity and Imagination

Have you ever seen a child make a cardboard box into a spaceship? That is imagination!
When children play, they generate ideas, problem-solve, and decide. They might pretend they are a teacher, a chef, or a lion. This type of imaginary play encourages their creative thinking and allows them to learn to play in different roles.
Imaginative play also helps children understand the world around them. They learn how to follow rules, change plans when needed, and express new ideas.

2. Play Builds Brain Power

During play, children make choices, try new things, and solve problems. These experiences help their brains create strong connections that support memory, focus, and learning.
Unstructured play (where kids decide what to do) is especially helpful. It gives their brains the chance to grow in a natural, healthy way.
At The Manthan School, we include both free play and guided play to support all areas of development.

3. Play Teaches Emotional Skills

Children, like adults, also need ways to relieve stress. Play provides a therapeutic outlet for children, particularly when they are distressed, anxious, or overwhelmed.
Play, either in the form of building something or running outside, provides children a safe space to express emotions, as well as work through them.
Eventually, children learn through play to name their feelings as excited, nervous, frustrated, etc. Play helps children learn self-awareness and confidence.

4. Play Develops Language and Communication

Children learn to talk, listen, and express themselves through play. Whether they’re telling a story, making up songs, or pretending to order food at a play kitchen, they’re building important language skills.
Even babies and toddlers learn by listening to sounds, rhymes, and songs. Older children practise back-and-forth conversations, learn new words, and understand how language works.

This early learning sets the foundation for reading, writing, and communication later in life.

5. Play Encourages Independence

In play, kids are in control. They decide what to do, how to do it, and when to stop. This helps them feel confident and capable. They learn to make decisions, try new things, and solve problems on their own. Even playing by themselves helps children understand their thoughts, ideas, and feelings better.

At The Manthan School, we give children the freedom to lead their own play and become
independent thinkers.

6. Play Keeps Children Active and Healthy

Young children are naturally full of energy, and they need to move!
Running, climbing, jumping, and dancing aren’t just fun. These activities help build strong muscles and bones, improve balance and coordination, and support brain development.
Play is also a great way to stay fit and healthy. Kids who play regularly tend to be happier, more focused, and sleep better at night.

Learning Through Play at The Manthan School

We at The Manthan School see play as an integral part of learning. Every classroom and outdoor area is filled with opportunities for creative, active, and joyful play. Everything we do at The Manthan School relates to learning, discovery, and development.
We support all kinds of play, whether it’s building with blocks, storytelling, or moving to music, because we know it helps children become confident, creative, and thoughtful individuals.
Visit The Manthan School and discover how we turn playtime into powerful learning.