World Children’s Day 2025: Play Your Way to Brighter Minds

It’s also the perfect time to rethink our approach to learning, because children absorb knowledge best when they’re enjoying the process and having fun. Play is often seen as a break from learning, but in reality, it is learning in one of its purest forms. It helps children make sense of the world, solve problems, and develop flexible thinking that will serve them for life.

Think back to when you were a child, lost in the world of make-believe. Maybe you were building a towering castle out of cushions, leading a daring expedition across the backyard, or mixing up mysterious “potions” in the kitchen with whatever ingredients you could sneak past an unsuspecting adult. At the time, it felt like pure fun—but in reality, you were solving problems, testing ideas, and learning to make sense of the world around you.

Play isn’t just something children do to pass the time. It’s how they explore, experiment, and develop the skills they’ll carry with them for life. Whether they’re stacking blocks, acting out stories with friends, or digging in the dirt to see what’s underneath, every playful moment shapes their thinking in ways we don’t always see. It nurtures curiosity, strengthens problem-solving skills, and helps them navigate the complexities of social interactions in a way that textbooks can’t.

On this World Children’s Day, let’s take a closer look at how play fuels cognitive development—and why making space for it in education is one of the best gifts we can give our students.

The Neuroscience of Play

Cognitive development isn’t just about memorising facts—it’s about making connections, understanding patterns, and applying knowledge in different situations. Neuroscientists have found that when children engage in play, their brains undergo rapid neural growth, particularly in areas responsible for executive function, problem-solving, and self-regulation.

Studies show that unstructured play activates the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain involved in decision-making and flexible thinking. Children who engage in frequent imaginative or exploratory play develop stronger cognitive flexibility, allowing them to adapt to new information and unexpected challenges more easily. In other words, that pretend tea party or elaborate Lego city isn’t just fun—it’s training the brain to think critically and creatively.

Play as the Ultimate Problem-Solving Tool

Consider a group of children building a fort with cushions and blankets. They negotiate roles, test different structural ideas, and adjust when something doesn’t work. Without realising it, they are using the scientific method—hypothesising, testing, and revising their approach. Similarly, board games and strategy-based play encourage logical reasoning, while open-ended activities like storytelling and creative writing through play help children develop abstract thinking skills.

In the classroom, role-playing and simulations can make complex concepts more accessible. A history lesson on ancient civilisations becomes far more engaging when students “live” the experience through a game where they must make decisions as if they were part of that era. Likewise, in STEM subjects, inquiry-based play—such as building bridges with limited materials or coding simple games—develops essential problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

The Social-Emotional Impact of Play

Cognitive development isn’t just about intelligence—it’s also about how children interact with others and regulate their emotions. Play is a natural lab for developing empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution. When children engage in cooperative games or imaginative play, they learn to read social cues, negotiate roles, and manage emotions like frustration or excitement.

Take, for example, dramatic play, where children take on different characters and navigate scenarios. They aren’t just having fun; they are practising perspective-taking, a crucial skill for both academic and social success. Research suggests that children who engage in more social play demonstrate higher emotional intelligence and better impulse control, leading to stronger peer relationships and improved classroom behaviour.

From Unstructured Moments to Intentional Learning

Many educators now recognise that play is not just a “break” but a powerful learning strategy. Schools that incorporate play-based learning into the curriculum—rather than reserving it solely for breaks—see higher engagement levels, better information retention, and increased intrinsic motivation in students.

Some ways educators can intentionally use play to enhance cognitive development include:

• Inquiry-Based Play: Encouraging students to explore, ask questions, and experiment through hands-on activities and real-world problem-solving tasks.
• Gamification: Transforming lessons into challenges, quests, or storytelling adventures that enhance engagement and deepen understanding.
• Play-Based Assessments: Using observation during play to assess skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability rather than relying solely on standardised tests.
• Outdoor Exploration: Allowing children to engage in free play outdoors has been linked to better concentration, self-regulation, and memory recall.

Rethinking Play

As we celebrate World Children’s Day, it’s worth pausing to recognise that play isn’t just a part of childhood—it’s the foundation of lifelong learning. It’s where creativity takes root, resilience is built, and critical thinking begins to flourish. When we make room for play, whether through structured activities or open-ended exploration, we give children the freedom to question, discover, and grow in ways that will shape their future.

So the next time you see a child deep in play, remember—they’re not just passing the time. They’re developing the skills to carry them through life, one imaginative leap at a time. As educators, the more we embrace play as a powerful learning tool, the more we unlock the limitless potential within each child. Happy World Children’s Day, and here’s to the joy of learning through play!

By Chantal Tarling