Time and again, research has shown that play is one of the most effective ways for babies and children to learn and develop. (1)
But how can we as parents help promote healthy play full of rich experiences for our kids? This is where play and learn classes can help!
Whether you’ve got a little baby or a young child, we’ve got the complete list of play and learn classes near you that will stimulate brain development, strengthen social skills and encourage problem-solving abilities — all while having fun!
Play and learn classes are good for:
- Language and communication
- Cognitive development
- Motor skills
- Social skills
- Sensory play
What are play and learn classes?
Play and learn classes (also called play-based learning) help little ones to develop new skills and gain knowledge in a fun and interactive way.
So, instead of flash cards and rote learning, you can expect hands-on activities and multi-sensory experiences!
The exact learning content varies with each class. Some explore motor skills, movement or music, while others might have a more academic focus like literacy and numeracy.
What is an example of learning through play?
An example of learning through play would be in play-based music classes. Instead of teaching about musical beats through notes on paper, a teacher might use a musical chairs game to help students understand the concepts through movement.
What are the benefits of play for children?
Through play, children can also develop a multitude of crucial motor, cognitive, imaginative, problem-solving and social skills. (2)
It’s also beneficial for children because it’s the natural way that they learn about the world and develop various skills while also having fun!
Even as an adult, don’t you feel that you learn best when something is presented in an enjoyable and memorable way?
What do children learn from play?
Children can learn so many things from play! It can help develop their imaginations, creativity and problem-solving abilities. Let’s take building blocks as an example.
The unstructured, open-ended nature of the activity means that your child can learn to make their own choices and express themselves in a unique way.
When kids play with others, it also helps them to develop social interaction skills and teamwork. Outdoor play can also help children stay active and promote physical fitness. (3)
Best play and learn toddler classes near you
Toddlers go through major mental, physical and emotional leaps at this age. So, play and learn classes can be great for facilitating this development!
They’re set up with age-appropriate equipment and methods to help them hit the specific milestones they’re working on.
Benefits of play and learn classes for toddlers
Even though it may seem like all fun and games, play is actually a critical component of a toddler’s growth and development.
Through play, toddlers learn about the world around them and develop important cognitive, social and physical skills.
For example, movement classes can help them learn about their bodies and cause and effect, while music classes form the building blocks for identifying patterns and sounds.
What to expect at play and learn classes for toddlers
You can expect lots of fun and learning in play and learn classes for toddlers! Let’s take music and movement programs as an example.
For music classes, your little one will have the opportunity to explore different instruments, sing along to catchy tunes and even develop their fine motor skills through activities like clapping and tapping to the beat.
In movement classes, your toddler will have a blast dancing, jumping on big foam blocks and playing fun games that promote balance and coordination.
What is Gymboree play?
Gymboree Play & Music is a reputable early childhood learning program with 700+ locations in more than 40 countries. They’re known for combining play, music and other learning activities to enhance children’s development and social skills.
Their programs include music classes, art classes and gym classes, which are designed to stimulate your child’s physical, social and cognitive skills.
What is the difference between The Little Gym and Gymboree?
Both The Little Gym and Gymboree offer play and learn classes, but the exact content of their class offerings is different.
The Little Gym helps your child with physical development. They offer movement-oriented classes like tumbling and gymnastics.
Gymboree has a wider range of classes ranging from creative activities like art and music to more cognitive-oriented lessons like LEGO and school skills. They also have physical play classes on offer.
Best play and learn toddler classes in London
Baby College’s parent and child classes in Loughborough combine a variety of activities to help your young one develop language, cognitive and motor skills!
Gymboree Play & Music in Wimbledon uses music, sensory play and lots of other fun activities to help your child develop in a holistic way!
The Little Gym focuses on building your child’s motor skills through tumbling and gymnastics.
Play and learn — early years learning for kids
Play continues to be an essential part of your child’s development past the toddler years!
As they develop more linguistic, motor and cognitive skills, this opens up ever more opportunities for fun ways of learning.
Movement lessons, along with arts and music classes, continue to be a hit for this age group. They’re great for helping release all that wiggly and creative energy!
You’ll also start to see more play and learn phonics or linguistic classes that cater to this age group. No more sitting down in a circle to learn their ABCs.
Your child will be introduced to the sounds of language and letters through movement, music, crafts and more!
This is also the time when parents like to introduce STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) classes that promote critical thinking and problem-solving through games and projects.
Best play and learn classes for kids
Gymboree Play & Music gets your child moving and learning with music and motor skills activities. Expect lots of climbing, crawling and dancing!
The Conservatoire has a wide range of art, music and storytelling classes that cater to babies, toddlers and school-aged children.
Best play and learn classes in London
Baby College in Loughborough will get your little ones exploring language, movement and sensory experiences in a relaxed, enjoyable way.
Gymboree Play & Music has one of the most diverse play and learn class offerings while always making sure that the experience stays fun for your child. You can find lessons for movement, music, art and more!
FAQs: Play and learn classes
When should you start baby classes?
Most baby classes cater to little ones who are six months and older. But the key is to pay attention to your baby’s cues and find a class that fits their developmental needs and interests. Some of the most popular lessons are music class and baby gym.
What activities can a two-year-old learn?
Any activities that promote language, social, movement and sensory development will suit two-year-olds. This includes stacking items, climbing, listening to music, reading and playing make-believe games. (5)
What age do toddlers start playing?
Babies under six months old will start showing interest in basic play, like shaking rattles and cooing when spoken to. But more conventional play usually starts at around the six-month mark, where you might start seeing them rolling balls and hitting boxes. (4)
References
- “The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds”, Kenneth R. Ginsburg – American Academy of Pediatrics
- “Why play matters”, Family Lives
- “How play helps children’s development”, Ni Direct
- “When Do Babies Start Playing With Toys?” Linda Rodgers – what to expect
- “Your toddler’s developmental milestones at 2 years”, Unicef
