One of the questions we hear most often in early childhood education—sometimes asked directly and sometimes quietly wondered—is: “But what are they really learning?”
From the outside, a preschool day may look full of block building, dramatic play, art materials, and children gathered on the rug imagining stories together. It may not always resemble the kind of learning many adults remember from their own school experiences.
And yet, this is exactly where the learning is happening.
For young children, play is not a break from learning—it is how learning happens.sz
Early childhood educator Sally Haughey reminds us in When You Wonder, You’re Learning:
At Better World Preschool, we believe that wonder is the foundation of meaningful learning.
Young children are not designed to sit still and absorb information. They are designed to move, explore, test ideas, imagine possibilities, and repeat experiences again and again. Through play, children actively construct their understanding of the world around them.
During play at Better World Preschool, children are developing:
- Language and communication skills
- Problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities
- Social skills such as sharing, negotiating, and cooperating
- Emotional regulation and resilience
- Creativity, curiosity, and confidence
As Haughey writes:
“Children learn best when they are actively involved and engaged in meaningful experiences.”
What may look like “just playing” is actually deep, intentional learning happening throughout every part of the day.
In our classrooms, play is thoughtfully supported by consistent routines and predictable schedules. Routines help children feel safe and secure, allowing them to take risks, explore new ideas, and fully engage in their learning.
When children know what to expect, they are better able to:
- Try new ideas without fear
- Use their imagination more freely
- Work through frustration
- Engage more deeply with their peers
Together, routines and play create an environment where children grow in confidence, independence, and trust.
Play is also where children learn how to be part of a community—something we value deeply at Better World Preschool. Through play, children practice:
- Taking turns and sharing materials
- Expressing feelings with words
- Navigating conflict with support
- Showing empathy, patience, and kindness
These skills are not learned through instruction alone—they are learned through lived experience.
Beloved educator Fred Rogers captured this perfectly when he said:
“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.”
Every collaborative block structure, pretend Shabbat dinner, or imaginative conversation is an opportunity for social and emotional growth.
As a Jewish preschool community, play at Better World Preschool is infused with Jewish values. Through play, children experience:
- Simcha (joy) in learning
- Kehillah (community) as they form relationships
- Respect, kindness, and patience in everyday interactions
Play helps children experience Judaism not just as something they learn about, but as something they feel—warm, joyful, and meaningful.
As adults, it can be tempting to focus on outcomes we can easily measure—letters, numbers, and milestones. At Better World Preschool, we honor the process of childhood and trust that play lays the foundation for lifelong learning.
Haughey reminds us:
“Learning is not about rushing toward an end result, but about honoring the process.”
Through play, children make sense of their questions, emotions, and experiences at their own pace, in ways that are developmentally appropriate and deeply meaningful.
When we pause to truly observe children at play, we begin to see learning unfold in its most authentic form. Each block tower, pretend conversation, and imaginative moment builds confidence, connection, and curiosity.
At Better World Preschool at Congregation B’nai Israel, play is not a break from learning.
It is where learning begins.
