Why Play Is the Highest Form of Research – What Albert Einstein Meant for Early Childhood Learning

“Play is the highest form of research.” – Albert Einstein

This famous quote by Albert Einstein highlights the incredible power of play in fostering creativity, problem-solving, and discovery. While many parents associate play with fun and entertainment, research confirms that play is essential for early childhood development.

At Little Scribblers, we embrace the power of play-based learning to nurture children’s curiosity, critical thinking, and school readiness. But what did Einstein really mean by this quote, and how can parents support play as a valuable form of learning?

The science behind play-based learning

Children are natural explorers. From the moment they are born, they use their senses to observe, experiment, and interact with the world around them. Through play, children:

Develop problem-solving skills – Experimenting with different ways to stack blocks or solve puzzles builds logical thinking.
Enhance creativity – Role-playing, storytelling, and open-ended play spark imagination and self-expression.
Strengthen social and emotional skills – Sharing, negotiating, and engaging in pretend play help children understand emotions and relationships.
Build cognitive abilities – Engaging in hands-on activities improves memory, concentration, and decision-making.

This aligns perfectly with Einstein’s belief that children learn best through active exploration, not passive instruction. He saw play as the key to discovery – just like scientists use experiments to test ideas, observe results, and adapt their thinking.

How Little Scribblers incorporates play-based learning

At Little Scribblers, we believe that play is not just fun—it’s fundamental to learning. Our early childhood education programs incorporate structured and free play to help children thrive in a school-like environment while still enjoying the freedom to explore.

🧩 Problem-solving and STEM play

Building with LEGO and blocks encourages engineering and spatial awareness.
Simple science experiments help children observe cause-and-effect relationships.
Puzzle-solving strengthens logical reasoning and patience.

🎭 Imaginative and role-playing activities

Dramatic play areas (e.g., home corner, shop, doctor’s office) allow children to explore different roles and social scenarios.
Dress-up and storytelling help develop language and creativity.
Small-world play (e.g., animal figurines, dollhouses) encourages imaginative thinking.

🎨 Creative and sensory play

Painting, drawing, and craft activities enhance fine motor skills and self-expression.
Messy play with sand, water, and playdough stimulates sensory development.
Music and movement improve coordination and rhythm.

🌳 Outdoor and physical play

Climbing, jumping, and running help develop gross motor skills and confidence.
Nature play and gardening teach responsibility and environmental awareness.
Team games promote cooperation and social skills.

By combining play with structured learning, we ensure that every child receives a balanced, research-backed approach to early education.

How parents can support play-based learning at home

Parents play a vital role in supporting Einstein’s vision of play as research. Here are some simple ways to encourage play-based learning at home:

Provide Open-Ended Toys – Blocks, playdough, and art supplies allow children to create, experiment, and explore freely.
Encourage Outdoor Exploration – Let children climb, dig, and interact with nature to build problem-solving skills.
Ask Open-Ended Questions – Instead of giving answers, ask “What do you think will happen if…?” to encourage critical thinking.
Join in the Play – Engage in pretend play, storytelling, and building activities to strengthen your child’s creativity and social skills.
Limit Screen Time – Encourage hands-on, imaginative activities instead of passive screen use to support active learning.

Why play-based learning prepares children for school and beyond

Many parents worry about academic readiness when choosing a childcare or preschool program. However, research shows that children learn best through play, which lays a strong foundation for:

School Readiness – Play-based learning develops early literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills.
Confidence and Independence – Children who engage in free play become more confident, resilient, and self-motivated learners.
Critical Thinking – Play encourages curiosity and exploration, just like scientific research.
Emotional Intelligence – Through role-playing and social interactions, children learn empathy, teamwork, and emotional regulation.

At Little Scribblers, our play-based approach ensures that children develop a love for learning while preparing for a smooth transition to school. Our School Readiness Program incorporates structured learning within a play-based environment to give children the best start in life.

Give your child the best start with play-based learning

Einstein was right—play is the highest form of research. When children play, they explore, experiment, and discover new possibilities—all essential skills for future learning and success.

At Little Scribblers, we are passionate about creating a play-rich environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive. If you’re looking for a high-quality childcare or preschool program that values play-based learning, we’d love to help.