Learning through play has many benefits for children, with play having been proven to contribute to brain development. The United Nations sees play as significant enough to deem it a universal right for all children.

1. Learning
Through
Play
Ragnar Horn
Charitable Associations

2. Learning through play has
many benefits for children,
with play having been
proven to contribute to
brain development. The
United Nations sees play as
significant enough to deem
it a universal right for all
children.
Play vs. Work
There are various key elements that categorise
play as different from work. Play is usually an
activity that the child self-prescribes, rather than
one determined by the teacher or parent. While
work tends to be a process that has a specific,
pre-determined desired outcome, play is more
creative and imaginative. However, just because
there is no prescribed outcome does not mean
that children cannot be taught specific things
through play.
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Learning Through Play

3. Defining Play
Play can be defined as an activity that is
enjoyable and pleasurable, voluntary and
spontaneous. Play typically involves elements
of make-believe and the player is actively
engaged in the activity. When learning
through play, the natural curiosity of the
child is harnessed for the development of key
cognitive and social skills, emotional maturity
and confidence-building.
The organisation Right to Play operates
learning through play programmes for some
of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable
young people around the world.
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4. Ragnar Horn
You can find out more about the
work of Right to Play by visiting the
blog of Ragnar Horn.