By Jennifer Stein
Parents Know the Power of Play—Why Aren’t Schools Catching On?
In a world where test scores and structured lessons often take center stage, play sometimes gets pushed to the sidelines. But here’s the truth: play is not a break from learning—it is learning.
Decades of research confirm that unstructured, imaginative play fuels cognitive, social, and emotional growth. So why haven’t schools fully embraced it? And more importantly, how can they?
Play Powers the Brain and Body
Play is the language of childhood. It’s how kids explore the world, solve problems, and develop essential motor skills. Every tower they build, every imaginary adventure they create strengthens neural pathways, enhancing their ability to think, move, and adapt.
Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, has shown that play sculpts the brain by promoting neural connections that enhance creativity, problem-solving, and emotional regulation (Brown, 2009). Research also confirms that physical play builds fine and gross motor skills, which are critical for later academic success (Ginsburg, 2007).
Yet, despite these proven benefits, playtime in schools keeps shrinking. The irony? When children have more opportunities to move, create, and experiment, they actually learn better. Studies show that recess enhances attention, classroom behavior, and overall academic performance (Pellegrini & Bohn, 2005).
Play Builds Social Superpowers
From navigating the rules of a game to settling a disagreement over who gets the blue block, play teaches social skills in ways textbooks never could. Collaboration, empathy, and conflict resolution—these are the tools kids need to thrive, not just in school, but in life.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play is a natural way for children to develop emotional intelligence and self-regulation (Yogman et al., 2018). When children engage in free play, they practice sharing, negotiation, and leadership—all essential skills for adulthood.
And here’s another powerful fact: play reduces stress. While high-pressure academic environments can lead to anxiety, research shows that play decreases cortisol (the stress hormone) and increases dopamine, which enhances motivation and happiness (Lester & Russell, 2010).
With so much focus on social-emotional learning (SEL) in schools, why isn’t play at the heart of it?
Play Strengthens Minds and Words
Play is where big ideas take shape. When kids engage in make-believe, build towering structures, or create their own games, they’re strengthening executive function skills—memory, flexible thinking, and self-regulation.
Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child highlights how play enhances problem-solving, adaptability, and decision-making, all of which are crucial for academic success (Harvard University, 2016).
It’s also a powerhouse for language development. Storytelling, role-playing, and imaginative interactions introduce new words, concepts, and ways of communicating. One study found that children who engage in pretend play have significantly stronger vocabulary and narrative skills (Weisberg et al., 2013).
So why do we see more worksheets and less free play?
Could Play Be the Answer to the Mental Health Crisis?
Childhood anxiety and depression are on the rise. One contributing factor? The loss of unstructured play. Without the freedom to explore, create, and take risks, kids miss out on opportunities to build confidence, autonomy, and joy.
Peter Gray, a developmental psychologist at Boston College, argues that the decline of free play correlates with increased mental health issues among children (Gray, 2011). Without unstructured play, children struggle to develop resilience and coping mechanisms, making them more vulnerable to stress.
If we know that play supports mental health, why aren’t we making it a daily priority in every school?
Bringing Play Back to the Classroom
The good news? Some schools are leading the way. Here’s how more can follow:
- More Recess, Please! Finland’s students get 15-minute play breaks after every lesson, and studies show that these frequent breaks improve both focus and well-being (Sahlberg, 2015).
- Outdoor Adventures Scandinavian “forest schools” emphasize nature-based, hands-on play, improving creativity and problem-solving. Even schools without forests can adapt this model by incorporating outdoor play zones.
- Play-Based Learning Programs like Playworks show that when you blend play with academics, student engagement and behavior improve (Playworks, 2020).
- Loose Parts, Big Ideas Schools that provide open-ended materials (blocks, recycled items, etc.) foster creativity and critical thinking (Daly & Beloglovsky, 2015).
- Less Homework, More Play Some schools in France and South Korea have reduced or eliminated homework, giving kids more time for unstructured play, leading to increased creativity and well-being (Bennett & Kalish, 2007).
It’s Time to Prioritize Play
With decades of research proving that play fuels brainpower, emotional well-being, and lifelong skills, it’s time to stop treating it as an afterthought. Play isn’t a distraction from learning—it’s the foundation of learning.
So here’s the real question: With all the evidence in front of us, why aren’t more schools making play a priority? And what can we do to change that?
