 TED-Ed: The missing ingredient in how we learn

The missing ingredient in how we learn

Before the last few centuries, children around the world spent most of their time learning through play: observing and mimicking adults, roaming their surroundings, and sharing what they learned with friends and family. Many communities and educators still believe play is one of the best teachers we have. Explore the benefits and challenges of using self-directed play-based learning in schools. [Directed by Hernando Bahamon, Vicente Numpaque, narrated by Jack Cutmore-Scott, music by Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio].

For most of human history, children learned by playing, imitating adults, and exploring their world. It was only in the past two centuries that strict classrooms separated play from real learning, a model now common worldwide. Today, approaches like Montessori and Reggio Emilia revive self-directed, playful exploration and show strong results: a 2023 analysis found Montessori students surpass traditional peers in language, math, and creativity. Though play-based learning requires adaptable teachers and support, its benefits last well beyond childhood.

Play Is Learning’s Secret Ingredient, Not Its Opposite

The divide between play and learning is far newer than most people realize. In the 1850s, Prussia banned kindergartens for fear that singing, dancing, and gardening would foster disobedience. Yet, research shows that approaches like Montessori and Reggio Emilia, which center play and exploration, boost language, math, creativity, and social skills. As universities and innovators revive project-based, playful learning, the evidence points to lifelong benefits.