We know that play is good for children. But to truly make play part of learning, we need to listen to the ones who play the most children themselves. Children often see play as something they choose on their own. It’s not about being told what to do or sitting at a table doing worksheets. It’s about freedom, imagination, and fun. Even toddlers, as young as two, can explain what they’re learning through their play. For example, a child pretending to be a pirate isn’t just being silly, they’re learning how pirates behave, talk, and move. In their minds, they’re exploring roles, rules, and even real-world ideas through make-believe.

This shows us something important: play isn’t separate from learning it is learning. And children are experts at it. When they pretend, they’re practicing real-life thinking in a safe, fun way. Still, adults, especially teachers have an important part to play. Even though children like to play on their own or with friends, they also see adults as guides who can help when needed. However, many teachers tend to stay at a distance or feel too busy to join in the play. This means children often don’t get the full benefit of adult support during their learning through play.

For play-based learning to truly work, teachers and caregivers should do more than just “let kids play.” They should join in sometimes asking questions, sharing ideas, and helping children go deeper in their thinking. When adults listen, respond, and get curious along with the child, learning becomes richer. This kind of shared learning, where both the child and adult think and explore together, is called Sustained Shared Thinking. It’s one of the best ways to help children grow their minds and understand the world around them. Sadly, in many classrooms, this kind of learning doesn’t happen often. Teachers are focused on tests and checklists, and that makes it hard to create a playful and thoughtful space. Sometimes children’s playful spirits are overlooked or interrupted by rigid school routines. But we must remember that children learn best not through dry facts, but through stories, experiences, and play.

We at Sesame Workshop India are showing how play and learning can go hand-in-hand in meaningful ways. Our Choti Badi Baatein initiative helps children understand and express their emotions, and gives caregivers tools to support their emotional well-being. By talking about feelings in simple, playful ways, children learn how to build healthy relationships and feel safe in the world. Another one of our innovations Bol Daddy Bol, a WhatsApp chatbot that encourages fathers to talk and play more with their children. It helps break old ideas about parenting and shows how important a dad’s presence is for a child’s learning and confidence. When children feel loved and understood, their brains grow stronger and play helps make that bond even deeper.

In the end, we need to see children not just as learners but as active participants in their own growth. They have their own ideas, their own rules of play, and their own way of making sense of the world. If we listen more closely and support them with care, curiosity, and joy, we can build a world where play isn’t pushed aside, it’s celebrated as the heart of learning.