10 reasons why play is important

Play is crucial for developing children’s communication and language skills, as well as supporting their learning and wellbeing. Here are 10 reasons why it is so important:

1. Play provides endless opportunities for children to hear and explore the power of their voice, and practice using new and familiar sounds and words.
2. Play stimulates cognitive development; it supports language development, enhances problem-solving skills and encourages creativity.
3. Play unlocks opportunities for children to practice their home language(s) and encounter new words.
4. Play removes barriers, it is inclusive and accessible to all. All forms of communication support play; including facial expression, body language, signing, touch, eye contact and speech.
5. Play supports a variety of skills, physical, gross and fine motor, which will also support writing. Active play promotes muscle development, develops imagination, communication skills, and helps coordination and overall health.
6. Play enables children to practice, revisit and embed deeper learning through experimentation and repetition.
7. Play facilitates natural curiosity, enabling children to make connections, understand what is seen, heard, and experienced in their world.
8. Play enables children to develop independence, perseverance and turn taking skills, supporting them to negotiate and build relationships.
9. Play provides a safe space for children to explore and learn to manage their feelings, helping them to build resilience and develop empathy towards others.
10. Play fosters a love for learning, develops imagination, and helps children grasp concepts in a fun and engaging way.

Playday 2024

Playday provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the importance of play, and review how you support and enable high quality play in your setting or classroom. This years theme is the culture of childhood; supporting, play, fun and friendships.

With so much to fit into your daily routine it can be hard to prioritise play. Children’s learning is optimal when they are engaged in self-chosen, self-directed and satisfying play. Our posters will help to make sure play remains an important part of your curriculum.

Celebrate Playday by presenting new play opportunities to the children in your care. You can also use it as an opportunity to share the importance of play with parents.

Scroll down to download our play posters; print and display them to remind your colleagues in early years and Key Stage 1 how important play is for their children’s development. Once you’ve downloaded the posters, take a look at our blog, highlighting the Importance of play, written by our Head of Early Years, Tracy Jackson.

More resources for young children

Read our ideas for why play is important

Download our free Chat, Play, Read booklets