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Learning through play is how a child can learn to make sense of the surrounding.
Through play children can develop cognitive and social skills, mature emotionally, and gain the self-confidence they need to engage with the world more freely.
Are you looking for the latest statistics and facts on the topic of learning through play?
My updated guide for 2024 has everything you need, and more.
Use this jump link to quickly jump to the KEY STATS section.
Also, all the references and resources I used in crafting my guide are listed at the bottom of the page.
Jump here: Learning Through Play Key Statistics, Facts and Trends for this Year| Learning Through Play Statistics, Facts and Trends (Detailed Info)
Table of Contents
Learning Through Play Key Statistics, Facts and Trends for this Year
Key Learning Through Play and Game-Based Learning Statistics, Facts and Trends for 2024
- Pretend play boosts problem-solving skills by 20%. (Source)
- 75% of brain development happens after birth, with play as a key factor. This is why you need to let your child play as much as possible. (Source)
- Drama students score 65 points higher in verbal and 35 points higher in math SATs. (Source)
- 20 minutes of play can increase attention span by 30%. (Source)
- Block play in childhood leads to 15% better high school math skills. (Source)
- 91% of teachers value play-based learning for academic success. (Source)
- Outdoor play reduces child nearsightedness risk by 20%. (Source)
- Regular physical play lowers obesity risk in children by 35%. (Source)
- 70% of preschool learning occurs through play. (Source)
- Play-based kindergartens result in 30% better reading comprehension by age 10. Worldwide only 3 out of 10 ten-year-old’s can understand a simple written story. (Source)
- Imaginative play increases empathy skills by 40%. (Source)
- 85% of brain development happens by age 5. (Source)
- Playing musical instruments improves spatial reasoning test scores by 40%. (Source)
- Play-based learning can boost information retention by 70%. (Source)
- 60% of children who play regularly show improved emotional regulation. (Source)
- Schools with regular recess see 5% higher academic achievements. (Source)
- Constructive play increases spatial awareness by 25%. (Source)
- 80% of employers prioritize creativity, a skill developed through play. (Source)
- Play-based learning can increase IQ by up to 5 points. (Source)
- Cooperative play leads to 30% more advanced social skills in adolescence. (Source)
- 95% of kindergarten teachers believe play is essential for development. (Source)
- Regular physical play improves executive function skills by 15%. (Source)
- Art-based play activities result in 10% higher innovation and creativity scores. (Source)
- 65% of parents believe that play is crucial for their child’s development. This is in stark contrast to just a decade again when only 35% of parents believed play is good for their children. (Source)
- Sensory play increases language development by 40%. (Source)
- Play-based learning classrooms show 25% higher student engagement. (Source)
- 88% of children learn best when having fun. (Source)
- Regular outdoor play improves classroom concentration by 20%. (Source)
- Play-based learning can increase problem-solving abilities by 45%. (Source)
- 70% of teachers report improved classroom behavior with play-based learning. (Source)
- The game-based learning market is projected to reach $17 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 20.7% from 2021 to 2026. (Source)
- Students who use game-based learning show a 14% higher skill-based knowledge level compared to those using traditional learning methods. (Source)
- 67% of students reported feeling more engaged when their curriculum included gamified elements. (Source)
- Learners experience a 9% increase in retention rates when using game-based learning approaches compared to traditional methods. (Source)
- Approximately 48% of teachers use games in their classrooms at least weekly. (Source)
- 83% of employees who receive gamified training feel motivated, while 61% of those who receive non-gamified training feel bored and unproductive. (Source)
Learning Through Play Statistics, Facts and Trends (Detailed Info)
What Percentage Increase In Problem-Solving Skills Do Children Who Engage In Pretend Play Have?
Children who engage in pretend play have a 20% increase in problem-solving skills. This means solving problem in imagination helps solve real-life problems too.
What Percentage Of Brain Development Occurs After Birth?
75% of brain development occurs after birth, with play being a crucial factor in this development.
85% of brain development occurs by age 5, emphasizing the importance of early play-based learning.
How Many Points Higher On Verbal And Math SAT Scores Do Students Who Participate In Drama Performance Score On Average?
Students who participate in drama performance score an average of 65 points higher on verbal and 35 points higher on math SAT scores.
How Many Minutes Of Play Can Increase A Child’s Attention Span By Up To 30%?
20 minutes of play can increase a child’s attention span by up to 30%. This means it might be smart to let your child play an hour before an important lesson or before doing homework.
What Percentage Better Math Skills In High School Do Children Who Play With Blocks Have?
Children who play with blocks have 15% better math skills in high school.
What Percentage Of Teachers Believe That Play-Based Learning Is Important For Children’s Academic Success?
91% of teachers believe that play-based learning is important for children’s academic success. Just 20 years ago only 50% of teachers believed play-based learning has any benefit for the children’s academic development.
By What Percentage Can Outdoor Play Reduce The Risk Of Nearsightedness In Children?
Outdoor play can reduce the risk of nearsightedness in children by 20% thus reducing the need for  reading glasses with corrective lenses.
What Percentage Lower Risk Of Obesity Do Children Who Engage In Regular Physical Play Have?
Children who engage in regular physical play have a 35% lower risk of obesity.
What Percentage Of Preschool Children’s Learning Occurs Through Play?
70% of preschool children’s learning occurs through play.
How Much Higher Are The Levels Of Reading Comprehension By Age 10 For Students In Play-Based Kindergartens?
Students in play-based kindergartens show 30% higher levels of reading comprehension by age 10. This is important since recent UNICEF’s research showed that only only one-third of 10-year-olds globally can read and understand a simple written story.
What Percentage Increase In Empathy Skills Do Children Who Engage In Imaginative Play Show?
Children who engage in imaginative play show a 40% increase in empathy skills.
Children who engage in imaginative play show a 40% increase in empathy skills. #teachers #statistics #learning #nikolaroza Share on XHow Much Higher Do Children Who Play Music Instruments Score In Spatial Reasoning Tests?
Children who play music instruments score 40% higher in spatial reasoning tests. It might be a smart idea to enlist your child to learn to play an instrument, especially if your child is showing aptitude towards music and languages (same brain area).
How Much Can Game-Based Learning Increase the Retention of New Information?
Game-based learning can increase retention of new information by up to 70%, thus significantly lowering the rate of learning loss.
Game based learning is especially important during summer as children can both have loads of fun and learn something new and valuable. The chances of that dreaded summer slide happening will be drastically reduced as well.
What Percentage Of Children Who Engage In Regular Play Show Better Emotional Regulation?
60% of children who engage in regular play show better emotional regulation. Better emotional regulation means stronger social skills, better interpersonal learning skills and better social life later on.
How Much More Likely Are Students In Schools With Regular Recess To Reach Higher Academic Achievements?
Students in schools with regular recess are 5% more likely to reach higher academic achievements. We can assume children are playing during their recess which helps their cognitive development.
What Percentage Increase In Spatial Awareness Do Children Who Engage In Constructive Play Show?
Children who engage in constructive play show a 25 percent increase in spatial awareness. It’s good for children to move their bodies and learn about the world kinesthetically.
What Percentage Of Employers Rate Creativity As One Of The Top Skills They Look For?
80% of employers rate creativity as one of the top skills they look for, and creativity is heavily developed through play. Of course, grownup probably can’t spend too much time playing as they have responsibilities that come with adulthood.
But they can still play educational games which boost both knowledge and creativity. And the good news is that even cold logical types (people adhering to the logical learning style method of learning) can still benefit from increased creativity.
By How Many Points Can Play-Based Learning Increase A Child’s IQ?
Play-based learning can increase a child’s IQ by up to 5 points.
How Much More Likely Are Children Who Engage In Cooperative Play To Show Advanced Social Skills In Adolescence?
Children who engage in cooperative play are 30% more likely to show advanced social skills in adolescence. This is yet another reason to not let your children access social media too soon as social media, which is built to connect people, paradoxically makes them more apart and more socially inept.
What Percentage Of Kindergarten Teachers Believe That Play Is Essential For Children’s Learning And Development?
95% of kindergarten teachers believe that play is essential for children’s learning and development.
What Percentage Improvement In Executive Function Skills Do Students Who Engage In Regular Physical Play Show?
Students who engage in regular physical play show 15% improvement in executive function skills.
How Much Higher Do Children Who Participate In Art-Based Play Activities Score On Innovation And Creativity Tests?
Children who participate in art-based play activities score 10% higher on innovation and creativity tests. This is probably because art and creativity and tightly connected and inseparable.
What Percentage Of Parents Believe That Play Is Crucial For Their Child’s Development?
65% of parents believe that play is crucial for their child’s development. This is in stark contrast to just a decade again when only 35% of parents believed play is good for their children.
What Percentage Increase In Language Development Do Children Who Engage In Sensory Play Show?
Children who engage in sensory play show a 40% increase in language development.
How Much Higher Are The Engagement Levels Of Students In Classrooms That Incorporate Play-Based Learning?
Students in classrooms that incorporate play-based learning show 25% higher engagement levels. Playing is not just for children. Students and young adults can also benefit from it as well. The benefitst are the same and only the games are different.
What Percentage Of Children Say They Learn Best When They’re Having Fun?
88% of children say they learn best when they’re having fun.
How Much Better Concentration In Class Do Children Who Engage In Regular Outdoor Play Have?
Children who engage in regular outdoor play have 20% better concentration in class. The benefits of play for concentration are best seen 24h after play session.
By What Percentage Can Play-Based Learning Increase A Child’s Problem-Solving Abilities?
Play-based learning can increase a child’s problem-solving abilities by up to 45%. The good news is that the skill to successfully solve life’s problems stays with the child even after it’s grown up and stopped playing.
What Percentage Of Teachers Report That Play-Based Learning Improves Classroom Behavior?
70% of teachers report that play-based learning improves classroom behavior. More and more teachers are introducing play as an integral part of positively modifying children’s behavior.
Learning Through Play Statistics, Facts and Trends for 2024 (Game Based Learning Explained!)- FAQ
What is the Definition and Meaning of Learning Through Play and Game Based Learning?
Definition– learning through play is a method of education that describes how children learn to understand the world around them through playing with their peers, alone or with adults.
What Role Does a Teacher Play in Supporting and Guiding Learning Through Play?
The role of the teacher is to recognize the value of playing for children’s development and then to facilitate the process by including as many (educational) games as possible to the child daily school schedule.
How Can Teachers Effectively Facilitate Learning Through Play in Their Classrooms?
Teachers can effectively facilitate learning through play in their classrooms by gamifying the classroom and children’s learning experience as much as possible.
For example, teachers can create an inviting environment, a space rich with materials that stimulate curiosity and encourage exploration.
These materials can be things like finger paints, musical instruments, dress-up clothes, hammer toys, natural and synthetic materials, “real life” toys, and props. Teachers can also arrange the space into distinct areas, such as an art station a reading nook or a science corner. That way children can
For some extra spiciness teachers can allow their pupils to chart their own course each day.
Basically, as a teacher you need to take a hands-on approach to the playing happening in your classroom. For example, you can come up with situations, plot twists, or obstacles for your students to overcome.
Just remember that play-based learning is based on the idea that children are naturally motivated to play and can learn best through first-hand experiences.
Why is Learning Through Play Important in Education?
Learning through play is important in education because it helps children develop skills that are essential for their future. These skill include their social skill, cognitive skills, emotional skills, creativity, problem solving skills…
Basically, learning through play is really important for child’s development, and the more your child plays in the early part of its life, the better off it’ll be when it grows up to start tackling the world and its problems.
And tackling the world is no child’s play:)
Which Prominent Theorists Advocated for and Believed in Learning Through Play? What are Their Theories About Learning Through Play
Prominent theorist who advocated and believed in learning through play as a concept are Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, John Dewey, Bruner, Isaacs, Montessori, Froebel, and McMillan.
These scientists and psychologist believed that play was essential to a child’s intelligence development. They correctly assumed that play encourages cognitive and language development as children mature, and help them discover the world on their own.
What are Some Quotes About Learning Through Play?
Here are some quotes about learning through play:
- “Play is the highest form of research.” – Albert Einstein
- “Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.” – O. Fred Donaldson
- “Play is the work of the child.” – Maria Montessori
- “It is paradoxical that many educators and parents still differentiate between a time for learning and a time for play without seeing the vital connection between them.” – Leo F. Buscaglia
- “Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” – Mr. Rogers
- “The playing adult steps sideward into another reality; the playing child advances forward to new stages of mastery.” – Erik H. Erikson
- “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” – George Bernard Shaw
- “Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold.” – Joseph Chilton Pearce
- “Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.” – Diane Ackerman
- “Almost all creativity involves purposeful play.” – Abraham Maslow
What are Some Learning Through Play Examples and Activities?
Some examples of learning through play activities are:
- Associative play– children learn to associate things with each other while interacting with others. For example, three children may talk while making a cardboard house.
- Problem solving– the best way for children to learn to solve problems is through trial and error. For example, children can learn to stack blocks without them falling over.
- Water play– children learn new words, such as “funnel”, “float”, and “pour”.
- Card games– children learn social skills, such as taking turns, how to lose gracefully without throwing a hissy fit, and coping with challenges.
- Dressing up– children practice getting dressed and can have fun with imaginative play.
- Baking and cooking– children learn about healthy eating, experiment with flavors, and learn new words and measures.
What are the Benefits of Learning Through Play?
There are numerous benefits to learning through play for children:
- Cognitive development: playing helps children develop cognitive abilities, build new neural connections, and improve critical thinking skills.
- Language development: playing helps children learn new words and use more advanced language compared to when playing alone. It’s because children often use words to narrate their activities or give life to their toys.
- Emotional development: playing helps children learn how to deal with emotions like anxiety, frustration, and trauma.
Creativity and imagination: play help children develop vivid imagination early on. It also helps them solve problems more creatively. - Relationship-building: playing with other children encourages cooperation and relationship building. Plus, these childhood friends often grow up to be each other’s lifelong chums.
- Independence and world discovery: play promotes independence in children and has them gradually discover the world around them on their own.
What are the Disadvantages of Learning Through Play?
Learning through play has many more benefits than disadvantages, but there are some cons you need to be aware of.
- Lack of structure: Play-based learning is often child-led and unstructured, which makes it difficult to track progress and prepare children for future education. Lack of structure also doesn’t provide with a sense of routine or structure that some children may need. children
- Limited curriculum: play-based learning has a narrow focus and children are often not exposed to a wide range of subjects.
- Overemphasis on play: too much play can neglect other forms of education.
- May not prepare children for standardized tests: Children who play a bit too much invariably do worse on standardized tests compared to students in traditional academic programs.
How do Daycares Implement Learning Through Play in Their Programs?
Quality daycare centers implement learning through play program thoughtfully and consistently.
Here are some of the things they do for the children attending their daycare centers:
- Creating a play-based environment- daycares create a play-based environment by providing a variety of open-ended materials, such as books and blocks, puzzles, art supplies and more. They also provide special space for children to play, such as indoor areas with play tunnels and ceiling swings, and fenced outdoor areas for physical play.
- Allowing children to choose their play– daycares allow children to choose their own play experiences, including which materials to use.
- Guiding children through activities– once the children have chosen their next game to play, daycare providers then often serve as guides, gentle instructors guiding children through age-appropriate activities, such as rule-based games for older children or play-pretend scenarios for younger ones.
Observing children– daycare providers observe children to gain insights into their interests, way of thinking and social-emotional development. Observing is also crucial to prevent some child getting hurt due to playing too enthusiastically. - Using technology- daycares use technology to enable learning, such as interactive games or digital storytelling tools or even simple e-books.
- Making play iterative- daycare providers often make play iterative by ensuring that play has a good mix of skills practice, exploration, and challenges.
- Viewing children as confident- daycare providers purposefully view children as confident and directors of their own learning experience. This further build’s children’s confidence and enjoyment of the games they’re playing.
What Does Current Research Say About the Effectiveness of Learning Through Play? Is it a Myth?
Learning through play is not a myth. It’s effectiveness is overwhelmingly supported by current relevant research. Study after study (some of which I link in the footer of my page below) show play is a crucial component of child development, fostering cognitive, social, emotional, and creative skills, with significant benefits across different age groups, particularly in early childhood development.
How Can Parents Encourage Learning Through Play at Home?
Parents can encourage learning through play at home by actually playing with their child. Children love to play with their parents and parents can use that to teach their child about the world while having lots of fun.
It is also important to limit screen time as much as possible because the more time children spend behind their screens, the less they’ll play in the real, physical world.
Plus, digital device screens emit tons of blue light which is highly detriment to proper sleep cycle.
Why is Learning Through Play Particularly Important in Early Childhood Education?
Learning through play is important in early childhood education because this method of teaching is proven to be effective and has numerous benefits for children. By playing children learn valuable lessons about life and work and they get to carry those lessons through their adult years as well.
Children love to play and it’s an indisputable fact. But playing also has a large educational purpose for them as well and parents and teacher need to recognize that as soon as possible. You can go to the top of this article to see the stats that prove how beneficial learning through play is for children’s learning and development.
Learning Through Play Statistics Facts and Trends for 2024 (Conclusion)
My updated guide for 2024 lists the best and latest statistics facts and trends about learning through play and how to max out this way of acquiring knowledge.
I hope you enjoyed it because the guide is now over.
You can read these stats guides on my site next:
- Statistics on Learning Styles Guide
- Learning Disabilities Statistics, Facts and Trends Guide
- Auditory learning statistics guide
- Visual learning statistics guide
- Verbal learning style statistics guide
- Intrapersonal learning styles statistics guide
During my research, I consulted these resources below:
References:
- Learning through play: what the science says- https://learningthroughplay.com/explore-the-research/the-scientific-case-for-learning-through-play
- Want resilient and well-adjusted kids? Let them play- https://hechingerreport.org/want-resilient-and-well-adjusted-kids-let-them-play/
- Learning through play: New perspectives on early years development- https://researchoutreach.org/articles/learning-through-play-early-years-development/
- Embracing Learning Through Play- https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/23/05/embracing-learning-through-play
- Children Learn More Through Play Than From Teacher-Led Instruction- https://www.forbes.com/sites/nickmorrison/2022/01/12/children-learn-more-through-play-than-from-teacher-led-instruction/
- UNICEF: Only a third of 10-year-olds globally are estimated to be able to read and understand a simple written story- https://www.unicef.org/bulgaria/en/press-releases/unicef-only-third-10-year-olds-globally-are-estimated-be-able-read-and-understand
- Learning Through Play at School – A Framework for Policy and Practice- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2022.751801/full
- Create a Play-based, Active Learning Environment- https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/learning-environments/supporting-school-readiness-success-young-african-american-boys/create-play-based-active-learning-environment
- Play-Based Learning: Why It’s Essential for Young Children- https://www.wonderschool.com/p/parent-resources/what-is-play-based-learning/
- The Power of Play- https://www.education.ne.gov/step-up-to-quality/stories/the-power-of-play/
Nikola Roza
Nikola Roza is a blogger behind Nikola Roza- SEO for the Poor and Determined. He writes for bloggers who don't have huge marketing budget but still want to succeed. Nikola is passionate about precious metals IRAs and how to invest in gold and silver for a safer financial future. Learn about Nikola here.