The importance of play in child development

Why Is Play Important for Child Development?

Play is not only enjoyable. It is also one of the most natural ways for young children to explore the world and learn. Through play, children can develop physical, emotional, cognitive and social skills at the same time.

1. Supporting Physical Development

During the early years, play-based activities at school support the development of both gross and fine motor skills. Large-scale physical play helps children build strength, stability and balance. It also encourages children to try new movements and develop greater spatial awareness. Strong gross motor skills provide a foundation for mark-making activities, including creating patterns, lines and shapes, and later for handwriting. Fine motor play strengthens the muscles in children’s hands and improves dexterity, helping them prepare to hold and control a pencil.

2. Developing Cognitive Skills and Creativity

Play gives children the freedom to explore, experiment and express how they see the world. They can use familiar objects in imaginative and creative ways. For example, a shoe may become a telephone for calling their parents, while a cardboard box may be transformed into a small house. Through these experiences, play nurtures flexible thinking, imagination and creativity from an early age.

>> Read the student story: Mai Thao Linh, Year 12 student: "Developing creative thinking with the A Level Art and Design Programme at BVIS"

3. Building Language and Social Skills

Play gives children valuable opportunities to develop language skills and learn new vocabulary. When they interact with parents, siblings, teachers and peers, they practise listening, concentrating, taking turns in conversation and sharing ideas. 

Children also strengthen their problem-solving skills as they adapt their ideas when they encounter challenges or obstacles during play. Over time, these experiences help them understand cooperation, teamwork and positive social behaviour.

>> Read more: Five Benefits of Residential Trips and Field Trip for BVIS HCMC Students

4. Supporting Emotional Development and Character Building

Playing and interacting with parents and siblings supports children’s emotional development and helps them recognise their feelings. Disagreements are sometimes unavoidable, particularly during shared play, but these moments also provide valuable learning opportunities. Children gradually learn how to manage their emotions and resolve conflict. Play also helps children develop important skills and qualities, such as:

• Sharing toys, cooperating with others and supporting friends. 
• Waiting patiently, listening and showing respect. 
• Following the rules of a game and shared expectations. 
• Completing tasks and taking responsibility for their role in play. 

Through themed role play, such as pretending to be family members, doctors or shopkeepers, children experience different roles and relationships from everyday life. This helps them understand appropriate behaviour, distinguish between right and wrong, and gradually develop positive qualities and habits.

The Role of Teachers in Children’s Play

Teachers play an important role in creating safe and engaging play environments that encourage children to explore independently and develop age-appropriate skills. By observing how children play, teachers can identify each child’s interests, needs and emerging abilities, then select suitable activities, resources and levels of support. 

Rather than controlling every aspect of play, teachers can allow children to suggest ideas, choose how they want to play and interact with their peers. When appropriate, teachers can ask open-ended questions, introduce challenges or suggest new approaches that encourage children to think, solve problems and develop creativity. 

At BVIS Ho Chi Minh City, teachers create learning experiences that respond to each child’s interests, needs and developing abilities. Our Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum combines teacher-guided activities with child-initiated play, giving children opportunities to play, explore and learn in an age-appropriate environment. 

With guidance from their teachers, these play experiences become a natural part of learning at BVIS. They help children develop confidence, independence and the essential skills needed for the next stages of their education.

>> Read more: Top 5 Benefits of Play-Based Learning at BVIS

The Role of Parents in Supporting Children’s Play

As adults, we can sometimes lose the sense of freedom and imagination that comes naturally during play. Joining a child’s game can bring back memories of our own childhood. Spending time playing together and allowing the child to lead can also be an effective way to reduce stress. Once adults become part of a child’s imaginary world, everyday concerns may briefly feel less important as everyone focuses on challenges such as ‘defeating a dragon’ or ‘protecting the shop’. These meaningful moments can strengthen family relationships. 

While playing, children explore the world through direct experience and reveal how they are learning. When parents play with their child, they may be surprised by the knowledge, skills and language the child demonstrates. This highlights an important principle of early childhood education: meaningful learning does not always take place through traditional instruction. When playing with your child, remember to: 

• Follow your child’s lead. 
• Recognise that repetition supports learning. 
• Play outdoors when conditions are suitable and safe. 
• Share games from your own childhood. Enjoy the experience and join in with imagination. 

These skills and qualities are essential for lifelong learning. Developing them through play also supports children’s later progress in areas such as literacy and mathematics.

If parents are concerned that their child is not learning enough, it is helpful to remember that young children learn most effectively through hands-on experiences, active participation and play. Play is at the heart of learning in the early years, and we encourage parents to play and connect with their children at home.

>> Discover more: How to Build Your Child’s Confidence Through a Nurturing and Inspiring Learning Environment

Parents do not need to worry that their child is ‘playing too much’ and not learning enough. During the early years, children learn most effectively through practical experiences, active exploration and age-appropriate play. Play is central to early learning because it helps children develop knowledge, skills and an understanding of the world in a natural and meaningful way. 

A high-quality learning environment should therefore give children varied opportunities to explore, interact, experience and learn through play. In the right setting, play becomes much more than relaxation. It is an important part of learning and development that builds confidence, independence and the skills children need for the next stages of their education. 

Interested in learning more about the importance of play in child development? Explore the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) at BVIS HCMC and discover how our balanced approach to learning and play supports every child's academic, social and emotional development during these formative early years.

>> Discover more: How Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Builds Confidence and Independence in Young Children?

To find out more about admissions, please contact our Admissions Team.

• Campus Address: 44–46 Street No. 1, 6B Intresco Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Telephone:
  
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• Email: admissions@bvisvietnam.com 

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