By: Kristi Budworth, Head of Early Years

On Wednesday, February 5th, we had the pleasure of hosting an engaging parent session, Play is Learning, where parents explored the vital role of play in education. It was an inspiring discussion filled with insights, interactive moments, and practical strategies for fostering meaningful play at home.

Why Play Matters

Play is more than just a pastime—it is how children make sense of the world around them. Through play, children develop cognitive, social, and emotional skills that lay the foundation for lifelong learning.

Research shows that play enhances creativity, problem-solving abilities, and even self-regulation, preparing children for both academic and real-world challenges.

Key Takeways from the Session

During the session, we explored the five key characteristics of play:

• Meaningful – Play helps children connect new experiences to prior knowledge, deepening their understanding of the world.

• Joyful – True play is engaging and intrinsically motivating, making learning enjoyable.

• Actively Engaging – Play involves hands-on discovery, encouraging children to think, experiment, and collaborate.

• Iterative – Play is a process of trial and error, allowing children to test ideas, solve problems, and refine their thinking.

• Socially Interactive – Play promotes communication and relationship-building, strengthening collaboration skills.

Understanding Play Personalities

One of the highlights of the session was discovering play personalities, a concept developed by researcher Stuart Brown. Each child engages with play differently, and identifying their unique play style can help parents provide meaningful opportunities for learning. The main play personalities include the:

• Explorer – Thrives on discovery and new experiences.

• Joker – Finds joy in humor and silliness.

• Creator/Builder – Loves constructing and designing.

• Storyteller – Engages deeply in narratives and imaginative play.

• Competitor – Enjoys games with rules and challenges.

By recognizing your child’s play personality, you can better support their natural curiosity and development.

Bringing Play into the Home

Parents walked away with practical strategies to incorporate play into daily routines. These included:

• Creating uninterrupted playtime to allow deep engagement.

• Designing flexible play spaces with open-ended materials like cardboard, scarves, and building blocks.

• Balancing free play, guided play, and structured play to provide a range of learning experiences.

• Encouraging social play through board games, storytelling, and role-playing activities.

Play Is Not…

A key discussion point was addressing common misconceptions about play:

Play is not just for young children – Even teens and adults benefit from play as a way to relieve stress and enhance creativity.

Play is not just about toys – Some of the richest play experiences come from natural, everyday objects.

Play is not aimless – Even unstructured play has purpose, helping children develop crucial life skills.

Final Thoughts for Parents

Play is one of the most powerful tools for learning, and as parents, you have the opportunity to nurture it in meaningful ways. By observing your child’s play, engaging with their interests, and providing opportunities for exploration, you support their development in ways that last a lifetime. Remember, play is not just about having fun—it’s about discovery, connection, and growth.

Thank you to all the parents who joined us—we appreciate your dedication to making learning through play a priority for our children!

Any M'KIS community members that have further questions or would like to discuss how to foster play-based learning at home are encouraged to reach out to k.budworth@mkis.edu.my.