What is play-based learning in pre-primary education?

By APTTI Educational Content · Updated 2026-10-10 · 2 min read

Play-based learning is an approach where children learn through play that is enjoyable, active and meaningful, with the teacher planning the environment and joining in to extend thinking. It includes free play, guided play (the adult sets a goal but the child leads) and structured games. NEP 2020 and NCF-FS make play the main way of learning for ages 3 to 8.

What this means in practice

Play-based does not mean 'no teaching'. The teacher chooses materials, models language, asks questions and notes what each child learns.

Types of play to plan for

Pretend play: shop, kitchen, doctor
Construction: blocks, recycled boxes
Sensory: sand, water, clay
Physical: running, balancing, throwing
Games with rules: matching, board games, circle games
Creative: drawing, music, dance

How the teacher guides play

Set up learning corners with a clear purpose, rotate materials weekly, sit with a group and comment on what children do ('You made the tower taller than your knee!'), ask open questions and record observations.

Free play versus guided play

Free play is chosen and led by children: they decide what to build, pretend or explore. Guided play keeps the child in charge but has a learning goal set by the adult, who prepares the materials and joins in with questions. For example, in free play children build whatever they like with blocks; in guided play the teacher might set up blocks with pictures of tall towers and ask, 'Can you build one taller than the chair?' Both matter. A balanced day includes long periods of free play and shorter guided-play sessions linked to the week's learning goals.

Practical next steps

Set up three or four learning corners.
Plan one guided-play goal per corner each week.
Spend time playing alongside children.
Record one observation per child per week.

ExampleIn Kumasi, Akosua sets up a market corner with real coins. Children practise counting, greetings in English and taking turns as seller and buyer.

What to keep in mind: Children still need safe supervision and some structure. Watch for children who never join in and support them gently.

Common follow-up questions

Is play-based learning suitable for big classes?

Yes, with rotation: groups move between corners while the teacher works with one group.

Do children still learn letters in play-based classrooms?

Yes, through sound games, songs, stories and mark-making.

Sources

Course facts from APTTI's published course pages, checked 10 October 2026. Editorial policy.