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Play is at the center of everything we do at Blossom Nurseries and Preschool. It is not something that is added on after learning has occurred. It is how learning begins. From 45-day-old babies to our FS2 pupils, children learn through helpful, hands-on play on a daily basis.
That's how play supports early childhood development, starting in the first few months of life.
Play begins in the baby room
In our baby rooms, play begins with soft sounds, gentle textures, natural light and calm movement. A baby reaching out for a rattle is developing coordination and curiosity. When an educator sings during a nappy change, that is developing connection and early communication.
Our infant settings are carefully designed to offer stimulation and calm. Developmentally knowledgeable caregivers support each child's rhythm, keeping them safe and engaged through play.
Our baby environments are carefully designed to offer both stimulation and calm. Educators trained in infant development support each child’s rhythm, helping them feel secure and engaged through play.
Play supports the developing brain
Play builds thinking skills. A toddler pouring water or filling containers is learning about cause and effect. Preschoolers working together to build a structure are problem-solving and exploring early maths and science ideas.
These activities develop focus, memory and creativity. Play helps children learn how to think, not just what to think.
Play builds emotional strength
Children are likely to interpret their world through imaginative play. A child who has been to the doctor may role-play the experience, using it to interpret feelings in a safe, comforting way.
Teachers help children to recognize and name emotion by providing firm, respectful guidance. This creates emotional resilience and awareness at an early stage.
Play builds relationships
In the home corner, FS2 children may plan a birthday party or set up a family restaurant. They decide roles, take turns, and solve small disagreements as they go.
These experiences develop communication, empathy and cooperation. Educator direction allows children to learn how to cope with social situations and establish long-term friendships.
Play supports movement and coordination
From tummy time with babies through climbing and jumping outside, play develops both gross and fine motor skills. Drawing, threading and cutting support hand control and early writing.
Inside and outside, our spaces are designed to facilitate movement, balance and exploration through activity appropriate to age.
Play boosts language and communication
During play, children talk more. They describe, narrate, ask questions and create stories. In one of our classrooms, children turned the reading area into a pretend airport. They made tickets, took bookings and used new vocabulary such as passport, gate and departure.
Younger children also begin developing language through play. Singing, naming objects and responding to sounds helps them build early communication skills.
Play encourages lifelong learning
When children explore through play, they develop confidence, curiosity and independence. They begin to make choices, start and continue tasks. These characteristics increase school readiness and a lifelong learning enthusiasm that lasts well beyond the early years.
Our play-based approach at Blossom Nurseries
At Blossom, play is guided by our Sustainable Education® framework. We combine the best of early childhood approaches including Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Pikler and the latest neuroscience. Our practice supports independence, hands-on learning and child-led exploration.
We follow the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and extend it through our unique lens. Whether the children are caring for plants, exploring sensory materials or making a creative project together, their play is respectful, meaningful and closely connected with their development.
At Blossom Nurseries in the UAE, we create time and space for significant play to occur. It is through which children build strong bodies, confident minds, expressive language and secure selves.
If you would like to see our approach in action, we invite you to book a tour or visit your nearest Blossom Nursery in Dubai, Sharjah or Abu Dhabi.
