A World of Learning Through Play

Children know play is their superpower

We’re here to convince the grown-ups. Because play is something every child, everywhere in the world can do. It fuels curiosity, sparks creativity, and inspires a lifelong love of learning. Children who play pick up all kinds of skills to thrive today – and lay the foundations for a happier, healthier life tomorrow.

Why Play?

Dive into our latest news, research, blogs and project stories

March 2024 News

Celebrating the UN adoption of an International Day of Play

The picture shows Finlay sitting at a desk, building with LEGO bricks

June 2023 Projects

How Finlay Built Up Confidence One Brick at a Time

June 2023 Opinion

5 signs you’re (already) a playful parent

February 2023 News

Not even a war can stop Ukrainian teachers

October 2022 Opinion

What types of playing boosts learning?

In one recent paper, we’ve delved into the link between specific activities and learning. There’s some promising research – but more is needed.

October 2022 Evidence

Five ways to spot playful learning

October 2022 Opinion

Holistic learning goes beyond the surface

Because playful learning connects different skills and characteristics at once, it helps children apply things they learn in different scenarios.

October 2022 Opinion

What’s the most incredible thing in a classroom? The teacher!

September 2022 Opinion

‘Listen to us’: Children deliver their manifesto for World Leaders and call for safe-space education for all

June 2022 Opinion

For families to play more, we need better policies

Playful parenting is a huge child development boost – but parents are too often over-stretched and under-supported. Here’s how systems can help families unlock the power of play.

October 2022 Evidence

World Mental Health Day: How play can support children’s mental health

July 2022 Evidence

Good Life at home and at play

May 2022 Opinion

8 play ideas for family wellbeing

May 2022 Opinion

Play isn’t another thing to do. It’s another way to do things

Playful parenting gives a boost to every member of the family – and it doesn’t have to feel like yet another thing on the to do list. Read one parent’s perspective on getting more play in every day

March 2022 Opinion

Play more, worry less: 3 ways play boosts resilience

Explore our latest research

The relationship between learning through play and holistic skills

Learning through play helps children develop the skills they need to thrive. And we’ve got an ever-growing body of evidence to illustrate it. Take a look.

Future skills, In the classroom

What do children (and grown-ups) have to say about play?

We asked children around the world what they thought about play. Here’s what they had to say

At home, In the classroom, Future skills

Positive play in a digital age

Children spend more time online than ever – so it is vitally important that digital platforms are a safe space to explore and learn through play. Here’s how organisations are steering industry and governments to put children’s wellbeing first.

Technology, Wellbeing

The Good Life - According to Children

What’s the secret to a good life and engaging education? We asked Denmark’s children. Take a look at what they told us.

In the classroom, At home, Wellbeing

Why creativity matters and how play nurtures creative minds

Creativity is instinctive in children – and just as essential in adults. Here’s an introduction to what we know so far about why and how we should make space for children to hone creative skills.

In the classroom, At home, Future skills, Systems reform

Technology & play

Technology is now embedded in children’s lives: how does it affect the way they play, learn and develop critical skills?

In the classroom, At home, Future skills, Technology

Why school time is playtime

It’s official: play belongs in school. We’ve investigated eight different teaching methods to uncover the playfulness that’s already there. Dive in to learn more

In the classroom, Future skills

Learning to cope through play

Play can help children (and grown-ups) handle life’s toughest moments. Delve into our latest paper to get all the details

In the classroom, In crisis settings, Wellbeing

How can reading be more playful?

Play is a powerful tool for children's language development. Here's why playful reading is so important.

In the classroom, Future skills

Learning through play: what the science says

Do you know that play builds brains? We look at research that shows how playful learning experiences lay the foundations for brain development and develops 21st century skills

In the classroom, At home, Future skills

Rebuilding systems around social and emotional learning

Social and emotional learning is every bit as vital as reading and writing - especially now. We spoke to policymakers around the world about how they’re reshaping education around these essential skills.

Future skills, Wellbeing

How children thrive on play

Dive into the evidence for play’s vital role in child development.

At home, In the classroom, Future skills

Engaging young children in play

Children get more out of play when they take the lead. But the science shows us adults can – and should – join in. Here’s why

In the classroom, At home

Ready to play?

When children play, they learn. They solve problems, think strategically, relate to others, and manage life’s ups and downs. Play helps children learn how to learn – and love learning. We've gathered some of our favourite games. You can play them anywhere – using things you find at home.

More activities