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Play Based Learning Activities

Play-based learning activities are the cornerstone of innovative early education. These activities promote play which stimulates curiosity and exploration and lay a firm foundation for lifelong learning. Through play-based learning experiences, kids develop critical social, cognitive and emotional skills in a setting which respects freedom and joy. These activities draw upon the child’s interests to lead the learning journey. Whether through imaginative scenarios or hands-on exploration, play-based learning activities promote curiosity and prepare young students for personal and academic success.

What exactly is play-based learning?

Play-based learning is a type of early childhood education based on child-led and open-ended play. If you’re picturing preschoolers finger painting or ‘playing house’, you’re spot on.

Play itself is a voluntary, enjoyable activity with no purpose or end goal. Believe it or not, activities like this lay the foundation for a child to become a curious and excited learner later in life. Play-based learning helps children develop social skills, motivation to learn, and even language and numeracy skills. Taking initiative, focused attention, and curiosity about the world are all a part of play.

Environment & Sustainabilityas possible.

Elements of play-based learning

Play-based learning includes the following elements:

Self chosen: A child voluntary chooses to play, how they’ll play, and for how long. An adult may initiate play insofar as he or she invites or suggests play but the child determines the rest.
Enjoyable: Play is enjoyable for the child. This emotional aspect is important. There may be some frustrations or disagreements during play but overall it’s pleasurable.
Unstructured: A child has ample time to explore and discover during play. They’re directed by their own interests, not by any prescribed rules or plans.
Process-oriented: There is no end or learning goal. Instead, it’s the process of play that’s important.
Make believe: Play often involves imagination, ‘make believe’, or ‘playing pretend’.

What our educators do

At Kids & Co Early Learning Centre our educators know the children and families in our centre; they assess, document children’s learning and know their interests. Then, together with families, they plan carefully how to use play-based activities as one tool to promote the learning that will achieve the EYLF outcomes.

Planning the environment to assist children to achieve outcomes is important in providing quality play experiences. The environment can be intentionally planned in four main ways:

the physical environment-the physical layout of space, furniture and resources. Consider how you will construct and present activities and materials so they are arranged in provoking and inviting ways to encourage exploration, learning and inquiry
the social and emotional environment-children need secure, warm and trusting relationships so they are confidently supported in their explorations and risk taking. Assist children to make connections with others, develop friendships and regulate their behaviours. Together, children and adults set the emotional and social tone of the environment
the intellectual environment-there are times to leave children to play freely and times for intentional conversation, a well-placed question or query that will extend children’s learning. Shared sustained conversations (Siraj-Blatchford, 2008) are the hallmark of effective early childhood educators
the temporal environment-the way that educators decide to use the time available in the program. Children need large blocks of time to develop play themes and ideas.

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   A Underwood 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kids and Co has been nothing but amazing. I can’t recommend this centre more, it does not disappoint. Since day 1 everyone has made us feel so welcome and our son has flourished with all the care, learning and support. It’s an excellent daycare all round and our son has smile on his face all day here! Thank you to all the management and the educators in Bamal for making his first experience in daycare fantastic.
  
 
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   Anuj Agarwal 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been with Kids & Co Early Learning Centre for the last 4 years, and both of our daughters currently attend the centre. We have been very happy with the care, support and service provided by the entire team. The educators are caring, friendly and genuinely attentive to the children’s needs. We especially appreciate how flexible and accommodating the centre has always been in supporting our requests and individual requirements. It has been wonderful to see our children grow, learn and develop in such a warm and supportive environment. We really appreciate the ongoing efforts of the entire Kids & Co team and would happily recommend the centre to other families.
  
 
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   Manoranjan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are extremely happy with the care, support, and learning environment provided by Kids & Co. The educators are caring, professional, and genuinely passionate about children’s development and wellbeing. Our child has grown so much in confidence, social skills, and learning since joining the centre. The activities are engaging, creative, and educational, and the staff always make children feel safe, valued, and happy. Communication with parents is excellent, and we truly appreciate the regular updates and the effort the team puts into every child’s progress. It gives us great peace of mind knowing our child is in such a nurturing and positive environment every day. We highly recommend Kids & Co. to any family looking for a supportive and high-quality early learning experience for their children.
  
 
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   Debaditya Ghosh 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is one of the best, atleast in the Docklands/CBD area. Faculty and adminstrators are so friendly and warm. We have been seeing the same educators for 2 years straight, which is always a very promising sign. Tons of activities for the kids, daily updates, adequate attention to a child's needs. The place is always clean and the owners are personally invested in running the centre. It has been a very easy going journey as a parent and my child loves attending Kinder here. I highly recommend their services.
  
 
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   Tara Yang 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have both of my children at this childcare, and it’s been a wonderful experience. My daughter started around one year old, and at the time, she had some emotional challenges. The educators were so warm, patient, and attentive, giving her extra care. She often needed snacks to calm down, and unlike other centers, they were understanding. My son joined around six months—after trying other places, he was happiest here. Eventually, both kids enrolled full-time. Even though the commute can be long for me, I feel at ease every day. The staff are caring, responsive when kids are sick, and they plan activities that suit each child’s development. My kids are happy, and I can focus on work, knowing they’re in great hands. Highly recommend!
  
 
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   Khushboo Rani 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My son has been attending Kids & Co Docklands for the past 3 years, and I couldn’t be happier with our experience. As a mother, I was very anxious at first about sending him to full-day childcare. However, all my worries disappeared once I saw how friendly, caring, and supportive the educators are. The teachers are truly wonderful and create a warm, safe, and nurturing environment for the children. The centre is also very conveniently located in the city, right next to the tram stop, which makes drop-offs and pick-ups so easy. Now, my son is very attached to his teachers and loves the environment. He often asks to go to Kids & Co, which speaks volumes about how much he enjoys it. I really appreciate the way the educators focus on each child individually and plan activities based on their interests. Highly recommend!
  
 
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   Victoria Kharlak 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hi everyone! I’d like to share my experience with Kids and Co. I genuinely believe it is one of the best childcare centres in this area. We chose it because of its warm, family-like atmosphere. The adjustment period was incredibly smooth — from the very first days, my daughter felt at home there and kept asking when we would go again. I can also see how responsibly the management approaches staff selection. All the educators are very caring, active, and it is obvious that they truly love children. They always come up with very interesting activities for the children, and every day feels like a celebration. They are constantly creating something new — one day a petting zoo came to the centre, and at Easter a huge Easter Bunny came to visit the kids. I also really appreciate being able to see real-time updates in the app about everything that happens with my child throughout the day — how many times she ate, how long she slept, and what activities she was involved in. Not every childcare centre can offer that. But most importantly, as a parent, I truly value the flexible and supportive approach of the centre’s management. We can always easily discuss any changes, and they are consistently accommodating and attentive to our needs. I recommend Kids and Co to all my friends and to any parents who are looking for a wonderful childcare centre for their child. I am sure everyone will feel the warmth, care, and joyful atmosphere they create for every little one.
  
 
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   Navin Natraj 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kathy, Paul & Tari have clearly built an emotion led early learning centre which serves as a pivot towards a child’s safety & development. My son enjoys every moment spent in Kids & Co. & looks forward to spending more time with the other kids & educators. Needless to say, all educators are handpicked, cater to the children with finesses and are extremely friendly & polished.
  
 
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   Majed 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Both of my daughters have been at Kids & Co and we’ve been really happy with the centre. When we came to Melbourne in 2024, my older daughter was 3 and wasn’t speaking much. After two years here, she is speaking so much better and more confidently. My younger daughter is also at the centre now. She is well looked after and really enjoys the activities. Thank you to all the educators for taking good care of our girls.