Play is often dismissed as just “fun”, but for young children, play is a serious — and essential — business. Defined as activity for enjoyment and recreation, play is the very foundation of how children explore, understand and interact with the world. Far from being a break from learning, play is learning.

Research consistently shows that play is the foundation for cognitive development, promoting the growth of sturdy brain architecture through exploration and social interaction. These early experiences matter deeply. During the first five years of life, the brain forms more than one million neural connections every second. This is the most flexible and responsive the brain will ever be, and experiences during this window set the stage for lifelong learning, behaviour and health.

When children are engaged in self-directed play — stacking blocks, splashing in water, digging in the garden — they are not just having fun, they are developing complex skills in creativity, problem-solving and resilience.

Play also supports emotional regulation, communication and executive function — capacities that help children to plan, adapt and make decisions. The skills children develop through play, such as focus, persistence and curiosity, are leading predictors of school readiness, future academic success and social competence later in life

Yet public perception in Bermuda often does not reflect this science. A 2022 Omnibus Survey put less value on play-based learning, such as motor games, Play-Doh, Lego and imaginary play, over rote skills like counting, alphabet and writing names. This gap reveals a need to raise awareness of the power of play, especially when paired with nurturing adult support.

Children are not passive learners. They thrive when they can explore their environment freely, not when they’re confined to tables and chairs, repeating the same task as everyone else. They need bright, airy spaces with room to move, and age-appropriate, sensory-rich materials like water, sand, and fabric to spark their curiosity and challenge their thinking.

Most importantly, the power of play is amplified by the presence of nurturing caring adults. When caregivers and educators value and support play, they help children feel safe, seen and confident enough to take the risks that learning requires. Studies show that positive adult-child interactions during play are linked to better cognitive and emotional outcomes, and stronger mental health.

It’s time we shift our thinking. Play is not an extra; it’s not a luxury. It’s an essential part of childhood and a cornerstone of education. When we promote and prioritise play, we’re not only preparing them for school honouring — we’re preparing them for life.

Let’s give our children what they truly need: the space, the materials and the freedom to play their way to deeper learning.

• Penny Saltus is an experienced early childhood practitioner and advocate, and the executive director of the Early Childhood Foundation of Bermuda. She can be reached at ecfbda@gmail.com

• Julie Dunstan, PhD is a Bermudian psychologist, author and founder of innovative programmes such as The Pirates Of Pondering (Grades PK-2) that empower children with the critical thinking and adaptability needed in a changing world. (flexiblemindsets.com)

• Fiona Rodriguez-Roberts is an early childhood education leader dedicated to creating nurturing, play-rich environments. She is also the executive director of the Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation. (kaf.bm)