Play is an important part of any childâs development and assists children in learning important skills such as resilience, problem-solving, curiosity, independence and more. Did you know there are different types of play with unique activity styles and development benefits for each?
Types of play activities with children can typically take two different forms: structured play and unstructured play. Both are vital for a childâs wellbeing, learning and growth in early childhood and beyond.
What is structured play?
Structured play, also known as goal-oriented play, generally involves using logic to solve problems, while unstructured play, or free play is creative and open-ended. Observing how a child learns best, and enriching their life with quality playtime that involves both logic and creative thinking, will foster traits that encourage lifelong learning - a valuable skill for any person.
Examples of Structured Play
Structured play or goal-oriented play involves following rules or instructions to reach a particular goal. This provides children with the skills to set and achieve goals independently and in a team environment. Structured play can also help children learn to regulate their emotions as they learn to take turns and follow rules to achieve a common goal.
Structured Play Activities
Popular structured play activities ideas for children include:
- Following directions to assemble a toy, model airplane or Lego theme set
- Organised sports, such as soccer, Red Rover, tag or goal net with goal baskets.
- Card games or board games involving rules
- Baking
- Gardening
- Interactive play panel games such as Ball Maze, Giant 4-in-a-row, Abacus and Farmyard Search.
What is unstructured play or free play?
Unstructured play, sometimes called free play, is creative and improvised with no set goal and unlimited possibilities. This enables children to expand their imaginations and explore their creative side in a play-based setting.
Examples of Unstructured Play & Free Play
Unstructured play and free play follows no rules or regulations for children. This type of play encourages children to find their own fun independently and, in a group setting such as at school or on the playground.
Unstructured Play Activities & Free Play Activities
Great ideas for free play and unstructured play activities include:
- Playing with blocks
- Colouring, drawing or painting on blank paper
- Inventing games to play, or running around in a playground
- Imaginative games such as cubbyhouses or dress-ups
- Playing tag or hide and seek
- Playing up, over and through a play space with a tunnel-through-mound.
- Moveable equipment like our Mini Bambino Starter Combos which allows children to build their own play experience.
- Sand and water play
- Themed, modular play structures that encourage creative, story-based play like the Farmscene 219, and Jungle Safari 165.
- Twig stacks
- Climbing net structures
The Importance of Structured Play & Unstructured Play
Both types of play are important for instilling a child with a sense of curiosity and purposeful learning.
The Benefits of Structured Play
When a child is involved in a structured-play activity, they are learning how to recognise patterns and meet a pre-established goal in the most efficient or effective way.
Are you looking to help children and students learn how to solve problems, work toward an individual or collective goal, or improve active listening? Structured play activities are ideal for building these skills. This category of play is also useful for bolstering childrenâs confidence, encouraging resilience, and learning how to cooperate within a team and develop stronger communication skills.
The Benefits of Unstructured Play & Free Play
On the other hand, unstructured play is about learning how to create from scratch and explore possibilities. Free play encourages a childâs creativity, imagination, problem-solving skills and social skills. Unstructured play also builds important qualities such as imagination, creativity, and empathy. Free play lets children enjoy a sense of freedom and control, allowing them to make mistakes in a pressure-free environment. This type of play can help a shy child learn how to express themselves more clearly, help them learn how to think on their feet, and approach problem-solving from an âoutside-the-boxâ perspective.
Balance Between Types of Play is Key
Both structured play and unstructured play are important for a childrenâs wellbeing and growth. A healthy, balanced play diet with a range of different types of play, will have an equal focus on helping a child develop logical and creative thinking skills.
When To Use Structured Play vs Unstructured Play
How can you know whether you should use a structured or unstructured activity? Simply think about what your studentsâ or age groupâs strengths and weaknesses are and allow room for improving both.
At all times during play, children should be fully immersed and finding rewards in the learning activity. If children lose focus, it may be time to switch to a different type of play activity - for example, an unstructured activity if they become bored or complete the goal for a structured activity.
For real-life case studies on play spaces that maximise fun and learning through types of play including unstructured play and structured play, visit the Projects section of our website now.