If you keep up with trends in early childhood education and what is considered best practice, you have likely heard of play-based learning. It is a term that is mentioned often when discussing how children learn. But what exactly does play-based learning mean?

Play-based learning consists of child-led activities with the teacher supporting the play but not taking charge of it. Child-led means that the child chooses the materials and the activity/direction of the play. This does not mean that teachers have to stay completely on the sidelines! Teachers still have a role in child-led activities. Teachers can support the children by helping to scaffold/extend their activity, or setting up the environment to encourage extension of their play.