Nurturing curiosity for life-long learning in the early years
ETimes November 28, 2025 05:39 AM
Too often, young children are pressured to focus on academics like writing and math before they are developmentally ready. But preschool is not just about early academics - it’s often the first time children spend extended periods away from their parents or caregivers. This transition calls for a supportive, nurturing environment where emotional and social growth are prioritized.
Small class sizes and a strong teacher-to-student ratio are essential at this stage. They ensure each child receives the individual attention they need to feel safe, supported, and seen as they adjust to the rhythms of school life.
A successful transition into school is built on partnership. At the time of transition, teachers, parents, school leaders and the school counsellor work closely together to help every child feel secure and confident during this important adjustment period. Through regular communication, parent meetings, and observation-based feedback, we ensure that each child’s emotional and social needs are understood and supported both at home and in school. This collaborative approach helps children develop trust, independence, and a sense of belonging from the very beginning of their learning journey.
What truly matters in these early years is building foundational skills - such as thinking creatively, collaborating with others, and navigating social situations. Through a focus on community, social development, and play, children learn how to become part of a group, solve problems, and express themselves with confidence.
A play-based curriculum empowers children to explore, make choices, and engage with the world through meaningful experiences - whether they’re building, pretending, experimenting, or creating. It allows children to learn at their own pace, driven by their own interests and their own innate curiosity.
As children grow and develop, we gradually introduce more formal concepts like early math and phonics in a way that feels natural, engaging, and connected to their experiences. Through thoughtfully designed play-based learning stations, children discover that learning is joyful - and that joy becomes the foundation for all future success.
Learning through play in the early years is not just fun - it’s how young children learn best. In the early years, children are naturally curious, imaginative, and eager to explore. A play-based approach taps into this natural drive, creating meaningful learning experiences that support every area of development.
Through play, children:
● Build thinking and problem-solving skills Whether they’re stacking blocks, sorting objects, or figuring out how to share materials, children are developing critical cognitive abilities.
● Develop language and communication Play offers endless opportunities for children to express themselves, ask questions, listen to others, and build vocabulary in real-life contexts.
● Grow socially and emotionally Playing with others teaches cooperation, empathy, self-regulation, and how to be part of a group or community.
● Strengthen motor skills Activities like painting, climbing, and manipulating small objects support both gross and fine motor development.
● Learn at their own pace Play allows children to explore what interests them most - making learning more relevant, personalized, and joyful.
As children play, they are experimenting, imagining, making choices, and learning from mistakes - all essential skills for lifelong learning . When educators observe, guide, and support this play, it becomes a powerful foundation for future academic success.
In the early years, play is the work of the child - and it's how real learning begins.
Chris Mockrish, Elementary Principal, Canadian International School, Bangalore
