Why Play-Based Learning is Crucial for Early Childhood Development

Ms. Danielle

Play is often seen as just a fun activity for children, but it plays a vital role in early childhood development. At Truth Preschool Academy, we understand the importance of play in fostering cognitive, social, and emotional growth. In this blog, we’ll explore why play-based learning is such a powerful tool in early education and how it benefits your child.

1. What is Play-Based Learning?

Play-based learning is an educational approach where children learn through play. It involves both free and guided play activities that encourage exploration, problem-solving, and creativity. Rather than focusing on formal lessons, play-based learning allows children to engage in hands-on experiences that are both fun and educational.

2. Cognitive Benefits of Play

Play-based learning helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through activities like building with blocks, solving puzzles, or role-playing, children learn to make decisions, experiment with solutions, and understand cause and effect. These experiences build a foundation for later academic success by fostering curiosity and a love for learning.

3. Social and Emotional Development

When children engage in play, they interact with peers, negotiate roles, and resolve conflicts. These interactions are essential for developing social skills, such as sharing, cooperating, and taking turns. Play also allows children to express their emotions, whether through pretend play or group activities, helping them build emotional intelligence and resilience.

4. Physical Development

Active play is crucial for developing fine and gross motor skills. Whether running, climbing, or manipulating small objects like toys and art supplies, play helps children refine their coordination and balance. These physical activities also encourage healthy habits and overall well-being.

5. Creativity and Imagination

One of the most valuable aspects of play is the way it fosters creativity and imagination. Children often use play to explore new ideas, imagine different scenarios, and experiment with various outcomes. This imaginative play helps them think outside the box and develop a sense of creativity that will benefit them throughout their lives.

6. Building Independence and Confidence

In a play-based learning environment, children make their own choices about what to play and how to engage with the world around them. This sense of autonomy builds confidence and independence. Children learn that their actions and ideas matter, which helps them develop a strong sense of self.

7. Fostering a Love for Learning

By making learning fun, play-based activities help children develop a positive attitude toward education. They learn at their own pace and discover new things in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. This early exposure to fun, engaging learning experiences can set the stage for a lifelong love of learning.

Truth Preschool Academy Can Help!

At Truth Preschool Academy, we embrace the power of play-based learning to help children grow in every aspect of development. Our approach creates a nurturing environment where children thrive both academically and socially. Contact us today to learn more about our curriculum and schedule a visit to see our play-based learning in action!

Ms. Andrea

Hi, my name is Andrea and I assist with the Two and Three old class with Ms. Michelle and Ms. Claudia. I recently graduated from Chaffey College with an Associates of Early Childhood Education. I have worked with children for the past twenty years from ages three to eighteen years old working with a Tiny Tot Program and Teen Action Committee for The City of Ontario and working with Alta Loma School District after school program. I have found my love for preschoolers, and I am interested in pursuing my bachelor’s degree working with children with autism spectrum disorders.

Truth Preschool Academy has been a blessing to me to work with all your children daily.

Ms. Tanisha

Hi, my name is Tanisha, I am the teacher for the pre-kindergarten class. I have been teaching at Truth Preschool Academy for 4 years now. However, I have worked in a few centers for the past 20 years. I have worked with children aged two through four. Teaching children is an adventure. Some days I am the teacher and other days I am the student. My interests include meditation, cooking and reading which I often incorporate into my classroom setting.

Ms. Claudia

Hi, my name is Claudia, I am incredibly excited to be a part of the TPA team. I have been working at TPA for 3 years. I hope to inspire my class just like they inspire me every day. My native country is El Salvador, and my first language is Spanish. I am happily married and blessed with three wonderful children. I started working with children as a volunteer at different preschools, and since then I knew I wanted to be around children to help them grow. I grew up in LA where I attended school and took early child development classes to be able to work in this field.  I have been working with children ages 2-5 for about 17 years and I am still excited to work with them and help them grow in their own unique way.

Ms. Patty

Hi, my name is Patty and I have been a part of the TPA team for 2 ½ years now. I have worked  specifically in early childhood education for the last 6 years and have taught after school etiquette classes. I have also enjoyed being involved in many summer camp programs with children of all ages for the last 20 years. I truly love working with children and I am thankful for every opportunity I get to make an impact in each of my students’ lives. I have three children of my own and in our free time we love all things outdoors including hiking and pickle ball!

I believe every child has their own unique way of learning and that teaching is something that is done in all capacities throughout the day in both academic settings as well as through interactive play. I am so grateful to be able to love what I do and help make even a small difference in our future generation.

Ms. Michelle

Hi, my name is Michelle, I am very excited to be a part of Truth Preschool Academy as a two year old teacher. I have a passion for nurturing young minds and helping them grow! I have 15 years of experience working with children of various age groups. My teaching approach is centered around play based learning, as children learn best when they are engaged in something of interest to them. My goal is to create a warm and loving environment for all children who enter our doors here at TPA. I am excited to be a part of your child’s academic journey.

Ms. Danielle

Hi, my name is Danielle, and I am pleased to be a part of Truth Preschool Academy as the Director. My top priority is ensuring that our philosophy is conveyed into our  everyday operations working with the children that walk through our doors. I am a huge believer in being a hands-on director  so at many times you will find me in a classroom working alongside our staff  or you may find me at my desk completing administrative work.  My interest in working with children began at an early age during my teen years. When I graduated high school, I immediately started my journey pursuing my degree in child development. I have been in the field for about 8 years now,  I started off with babysitting and soon after I began teaching at my first school as a three-year-old teacher. After leaving my hometown in Torrance, CA I began as an infant teacher and worked my way into the assistant director role which then led me to my director position here at Truth Preschool Academy. 

In my free time I love spending time with my family. I have a three-year-old son who loves to be active outside. We often go to new parks or experience new outdoor adventures. I look forward to working with you and your family here at TPA!

Ms. Kristy

Welcome to Truth Preschool Academy! My name is Kristy Rowell, and I am honored to serve as the Administrator here. From a young age, I have always had a special connection with children and a deep love for working with them, nurtured through my involvement in church activities like Sunday school and directing the children’s choir. Inspired by my passion for creating a safe and loving learning environment, I pursued the necessary certifications and coursework to start a preschool. In October 2019, after becoming licensed with the state of California, we proudly opened the doors of Truth Preschool Academy, a dream realized with the unwavering support of Truth Church of Southern California and Pastor Clifford Clark.

At Truth Preschool Academy, our mission is to foster a love for learning in every child. As the Administrator, I am dedicated to selecting only the most caring and qualified staff to ensure your child’s well-being and education are our top priorities. We understand there are many choices in early childhood education, but at TPA, you can rest assured that your child is in good hands. We can’t wait to meet you and your family and welcome you to our community!