In the vibrant world of early childhood education, play isn't just a break from learning—it is learning. At Nord Anglia, our Compass Approach harnesses the natural curiosity of young minds, transforming playful moments into powerful learning opportunities.
When children build towers with blocks or create imaginary worlds, they're not just having fun—they're developing critical neural pathways. Research shows that play-based learning activates multiple brain regions simultaneously, creating connections that traditional instruction simply cannot match.
During play, children release chemicals like dopamine and endorphins, creating positive associations with discovery and problem-solving. Many scientists and psychologists have studied the importance of play over the years. According to Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, play is essential for the growth of intelligence in children.
Our Compass Approach works because it balances structure with spontaneity. Our early years educators are masters of what we call "invisible teaching"—guiding learning through thoughtfully designed environments and gentle interventions that preserve the child's sense of discovery. Research has shown that children learn best when they are given the opportunity to explore their own interests.
Anna Ephgrave is a well-known advocate for play-based learning and early childhood education. She has stated that “When we allow children to direct their own play, they develop a sense of ownership over their learning, which leads to deeper engagement and a love of learning.” Ephgrave suggests that child-led play, where children are free to follow their own interests and ideas, fosters deeper engagement and encourages a lifelong passion for learning.
Consider the simple act of water play. While children see splashing fun, our educators see science in action: Properties of matter, cause and effect, early physics concepts—all explored through hands that can't keep still and minds that can't stop questioning.
The benefits extend far beyond early literacy and numeracy. Through collaborative play, children develop emotional intelligence, negotiating skills, and resilience that form the foundation for lifelong success. When children navigate the social dynamics of a pretend restaurant or solve the engineering challenges of a block city, they're building capabilities that traditional assessments rarely capture but that life invariably demands.
The Compass Approach extends beyond our classrooms. We encourage families to embrace purposeful play at home, seeing everyday moments as learning opportunities. A shopping trip becomes a lesson in mathematics; baking becomes an introduction to chemistry; bedtime stories open doors to new worlds and vocabularies.
What sets our approach apart is our global perspective. While rooted in research-backed pedagogy, our play-based learning is enriched by diverse cultural influences from our schools worldwide. Children at Nord Anglia don't just learn through play—they play their way into global citizenship.
As we guide our youngest learners on their educational journey, we remember that play isn't the break from learning—it's the compass that helps them navigate a world of endless possibility. Through purposeful play today, we're helping them chart the course for tomorrow's success.
Early Years 2 class teacher
