Let Them Play :Learning Isn’t Always in a Textbook

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Sometimes I look at my students and realize they’re learning the most when they don’t even realize it.

When they’re building a tower out of blocks, they’re testing balance, planning ahead, working together. When they pretend to run a shop, they’re practicing math, language, and problem-solving. All of that through play.

But somewhere along the way, we started thinking that learning only happens when kids sit still and follow instructions. That worksheets matter more than imagination. That quiet classrooms mean good students.

I don’t believe that. I’ve seen how much children grow socially, emotionally, even academically — when we give them the space to play, explore, and just be kids.

Play isn’t the opposite of learning. It is learning. And maybe, just maybe, we need to stop rushing children into “serious” learning and start trusting that joy, curiosity, and creativity are serious enough.

Let’s not take away what they need most. Let’s protect their right to play.

What do you think? Have you seen the magic of learning through play?

@Nawres-Alabed
Dear Nawres Alabed, I completely agree! In our society, there's still a misconception about play-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and activity-based learning. Many believe that learning only happens through paperwork . As an educator, I've had to address this with students and parents, emphasizing that learning extends beyond paperwork.

A perfect classroom isn't one where students sit quietly, following instructions. Rather, it's a space where students are free to explore, learn at their own pace, think critically, and ask questions.

Scientifically, modern teaching methods have numerous benefits, including developing fine and gross motor skills, fostering critical thinking, enhancing coordination among body parts, and cultivating problem-solving skills.

By shifting our perspective, we can create more effective and engaging learning environments.

@Nawres-Alabed Because the information presented in textbooks has very little to do with how your brain maps language during the acquisition process. In other words, it is low-quality, inefficient source material to acquire languages biologically and pedagogically speaking.

@SOBIARANAM-IRFAN Play allows children to be active, calm their minds, follow their own ideas, pretend, be creative, and build physical, social, and intellectual skills.

@Nawres-Alabed .

Yes — I’ve witnessed the magic of learning through play. It’s in the sparkle of a child’s eyes when they “discover” something on their own… when a cardboard box becomes a spaceship… or when a sandcastle turns into a lesson in teamwork, patience, and even engineering.

@Nawres-Alabed Play is a child's language — their natural way to explore, express, and engage with the world.

But in the race for grades and benchmarks, we sometimes forget that play lays the foundation for critical thinking, resilience, collaboration, and creativity — all the things we hope to see in our students as adults.

Instead of asking “How can we make children learn faster?” maybe we should ask “How can we make childhood richer?”

@Nawres-Alabed
Let’s create classrooms that breathe with movement, messiness, imagination, and laughter. Because when children are allowed to be children, they often become the best learners of all.

Thank you for reminding us that play isn’t a break from learning — it’s where the deepest learning begins.