Social- Creative play usually involves multiple children which greatly benefits their social skills. They learn how to interact with other people their age, or even adults that join in on the play. This allows the children to be more outgoing as they are learning to work together, share ideas, and take turns. Overall, these interactions build their confidence in social settings and improve their ability to interact with others.

Emotional- Children display high emotional development when they are involving themselves in creative play. Since they are putting themselves in various pretend scenarios, they are able to recognize different emotions from the individuals they are playing with. This also has them gain the ability to empathize with others. They are processing their own emotions and others through play which is a great way to enhance their emotional development.

Physical- Running, jumping, walking, swinging, climbing, and more are all involved in play. Children are constantly testing their fine and gross motor skills when playing in different environments. If they are on the playground playing on the monkey bars, they are increasing their strength and coordination abilities. Meanwhile, if they are painting with a paintbrush they are enhancing their fine motor skills. Creative play is a perfect way to encourage students to have fun while also pushing them to participate in physical activity and develop those skills.

Cognitive- Children's brains are constantly being stimulated by the world around them and creative play takes it one step further. There are so many opportunities to apply an educational aspect into play without the children even realizing it. This allows them to build their problem solving skills, reading and writing skills, mathematical skills, and so much more. Not to mention children are constantly problem solving during play which also increases their independence. They are connecting ideas together as they play, enhancing their memory and improving their cognitive development as a whole.

Language- When children are playing, they are building their vocabulary. This can be from playing with new toys they have never seen, speaking with their peers, or being involved in dramatic play with new scenarios. Teachers can also take advantage of play-based learning to teach students new vocabulary words which has been proven to help the students effectively learn new words (Hassinger-Das et al., 2017). As children are playing, their language skills are growing.

Setting up the classroom: Adapting the environment is a perfect way to ensure children have the materials they need to play. The best way to do this is to set up different centers where children can express themselves. These can include dramatic play centers or even sensory play areas. Having the appropriate resources is necessary to making the play a success.

Applying play based learning: This source provides many examples of how play-based learning can be added to the curriculum. For teaching children mathematical concepts, teachers can explore pattern games that make them interested in math. To support their fine motor skills, include lots of hands-on games that allow the children to problem solve and explore their environment. For language development, there are many drawing and writing games that help students improve those skills while having fun. Lastly, to encourage social play, look into gross motor development games such as obstacle courses. This way they are playing and moving their bodies while interacting with their peers.

Overall, this source highlights how play is active, sociable, and meaningful to the learning of the students. There are so many ways for teachers to make learning fun for their students and encouraging different forms of play is one of the most effective ways to do so.

What playful learning looks like: To truly embrace playful learning, teachers must allow their students to explore things on their own accord. Let the students explore the unknown, lead their own learning, and find joy in what they are learning about. One of the biggest aspects of play is for it to be meaningful. Therefore, when the students are free to be curious and find out what they enjoy, it makes them more engaged in learning with positive experiences.

How educators can support playful learning in their classrooms: There are five different examples this source provides on how teachers can encourage playful learning in their class. The first way is to empower students to guide their own learning. When they feel like they are in charge and have the capabilities to explore, it will only lead to success. The second way is to create a collaborative culture of learning, this way students can help each other learn and reach their goals. The third way is to encourage risk and experimentation so students have the opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them. The fourth example is to promote imaginative thinking so students develop their creativity skills and make learning fun. Finally, the last example is accept the different emotions play can create. There will be joy, frustration, confusion, or more, and it is important to let the students recognize those emotions and learn from them.

When teachers start to implement these methods into their classroom, they will begin to see their students flourish. These techniques can be used across the entire curriculum, giving students the opportunity to advance in different subjects such as reading, writing, math, science, and more. Adding play to the curriculum opens so many doors for students and teachers, making learning meaningful.

The biggest piece of advice they provide is to see the child as a child first. Consider how every child is different and learns in different ways. Therefore, play is a perfect way to do this since there are no rules and allows the children to explore their environment freely.

The site suggests trying basic modifications for simple play activities that the child will enjoy. For example, if the student is painting and drawing, you can provide bigger easels that allow the students who struggle with writing small. This way they have a bigger canvas to create whatever they desire. Books can also be modified to have bigger text or include jumbo paperclips to make them easier to turn for children. There are many aspects of the environment that can be difficult for a child with a disability. However, altering it to fit their needs and allow them to participate in creative play will have a big impact on their development.

The source provides the following 10 activities:

1. Arrange a selection of toys on a flat surface like a tray to engage your child. Sensory toys or those with suction bases work great, as they stick in place. Sponges or plastic cups can be fun alternatives too.

2. Create a ball game together, you can even craft the ball from fabric. Choose how to play using hands or feet, based on what feels most comfortable for your child’s mobility level.

3. Put together a video montage of your child doing different activities and play it back for them. Alternatively, you can use an audio recording to replay moments like their singing or laughter.

4. Invite your child into the kitchen during meal prep. Depending on their interest and ability, they can either help with simple tasks or copy your movements using their own plastic bowl and spoon.

5. Encourage your child's creativity through drawing or painting. Look for easy-to-hold brushes and crayons designed for children with limited mobility — or let them enjoy finger painting for a sensory-rich experience.

6. Cuddle up or sit together to read a book, adjusting your position depending on what’s most comfortable for your child. You can also look through family photo albums and point out familiar people. Use pillows or an angled surface to support your child and help them keep their head up.

7. Set up a sensory tray filled with water or sand for your child to explore different textures. You can enhance the experience by adding small toys for them to interact with.

8. Have fun with playdough, either store-bought or homemade. Try using molds, cookie cutters, or large-handled cups to create shapes — these tools are often easier for little hands to grip.

9. Enjoy some quiet time doing simple puzzles or making flashcards with shapes, colors, numbers, or words. A smooth, flat surface like a table or tray can help keep everything stable and within reach.

10. Make music together by singing, dancing, and making joyful noise. Your child can join in using pots and pans or homemade instruments to tap along to the rhythm.

It is clear that these 10 activities promote creative play for individuals with disabilities or developmental delays. Trying out these activities will allow the child to learn new skills while having fun.

Brillante, P. (2017). Every child belongs: Welcoming a child with a disability. NAEYC. https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/tyc/sep2017/every-child-belongs

Hassinger-Das, B., Hirsh-Pasek, K., & Golinkoff, R. (2017). The case of brain science and guided play: A developing story. NAEYC. https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/may2017/case-brain-science-guided-play

Kittie Butcher, M. S. U. E. (2023, February 23). Cognitive development and sensory play. MSU Extension. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/cognitive_development_and_sensory_play

Ross, E. (2023). Embracing learning through play. Harvard Graduate School of Education. https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/23/05/embracing-learning-through-play

UNICEF. (2020). 10 playful activities for children with disabilities. UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care/10-playful-educational-activities-children-disabilities

Watts, T., Stagnitti, K., & Brown, T. (2014). Relationship between play and sensory processing: A systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68(1), e37–e46. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.009787