Play can be broadly defined as an enjoyable activity that is pursued for pleasure or its own sake. It can be contrasted with activities that have explicitly defined learning outcomes, or games, which are likely to have clearer rules or a competitive element.Cognitive learning theory in nursing education play-based activities might be solitary or social, and involve a combination of cognitive and physical elements. Activities might be adult-guided, for example through the suggestion of a scenario for pretend play.Cognitive learning theory in nursing education in other cases, activities will be largely child-initiated (“free-play”), with adult involvement focused on the provision of props, or the design and management of the learning environment.Cognitive learning theory in nursing education

Some examples of play-based learning may overlap with self-regulation approaches or social and emotional learning strategies. Some play-based interventions have been developed for children with social, emotional or behavioural problems.Cognitive learning theory in nursing education these programmes explicitly aim to improve social and cognitive skills by teaching children how to play. How effective is it?

The evidence base for play-based learning is weak and inconsistent, but does indicate a positive relationship between play and early learning outcomes.Cognitive learning theory in nursing education on average, studies of play that include a quantitative component suggest that play-based learning approaches improve learning outcomes by approximately five additional months.Cognitive learning theory in nursing education however, there is substantial variation in effects, suggesting that additional, high-quality research is needed in this area.

Positive outcomes have been identified for a range of early learning outcomes including vocabulary, reasoning and early numeracy.Cognitive learning theory in nursing education evidence related to early language and problem solving outcomes is mixed. Play-based therapy can have substantial benefits for children who are identified as having social, emotional, or educational difficulties.Cognitive learning theory in nursing education there is no clear evidence whether play-based learning has a differential positive benefit on children from low-income families.

Though it is challenging to compare findings across different types of play-based learning approaches, a number of features do appear to be associated with higher learning outcomes.Cognitive learning theory in nursing education tentative recommendations include ensuring that learning environments for play are literacy-rich (for example, by providing writing materials or written props for role play activities), and balancing more structured, adult-directed activities with opportunities for child-initiated play.Cognitive learning theory in nursing education how secure is the evidence?

There is currently very limited evidence related to play-based learning in the early years. Though one systematic has been conducted, the underpinning studies are relatively low quality, and frequently do not include quantitative impact measures.Cognitive learning theory in nursing education the majority of studies have been conducted in the united states, and the evidence base is relatively dated, including a number of studies from the 1990s.Cognitive learning theory in nursing education

Where studies have been conducted, for example, in a randomised controlled trial assessing the impact of the tools of the mind curriculum, play is often only one component of a broader programme, making it challenging to isolate its impact.Cognitive learning theory in nursing education it is important to recognise the methodological challenges of evaluating approaches that are part of multi-component interventions and that are, in many cases, unstructured by definition.Cognitive learning theory in nursing education however, this is an important area for further research and more can be done to understand the impacts of various play-based approaches. What are the costs?Cognitive learning theory in nursing education

Most early years settings are equipped with indoor and outdoor play facilities, so the additional costs associated with play-based learning are likely to be very low.Cognitive learning theory in nursing education specific additional resources and materials may be needed, such as those required for dramatic play or play to support early literacy, and training for staff to develop their understanding of how to develop children’s learning from play activities is likely to be beneficial.Cognitive learning theory in nursing education this includes training to support decisions about when not to intervene during child-initiated play.