Nurturing Play at Home: Strategies for Encouraging Intentional Learning
- Growing Up Nordic
- Oct 1, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 22
Play is not just fun; it’s a crucial part of childhood. It forms the base for learning and growth. Through Intentional Play, children explore their surroundings, build social skills, and unleash their creativity. You don’t need fancy toys or expensive materials to support play at home. Simple strategies can greatly enrich and enhance the play experience.
In this post, we will look into effective ways to nurture play at home, highlighting why Intentional Play is vital during early childhood.
Strategies for Intentional Play
Offer Open-Ended Materials
One of the best ways to boost play is by providing open-ended materials. Everyday items like blocks, natural objects like sticks or stones, and fabric scraps can be transformed into almost anything, giving children the freedom to create.
For example, a set of wooden blocks can turn into a castle, a bridge, or even a spaceship. This kind of open-ended play stimulates imagination and creativity. It helps children explore their own ideas and learn to think critically. By supplying these versatile materials, you allow children to engage in problem-solving, a skill essential for their growth.
Let Children Lead
Encouraging children to lead during playtime is a powerful method to enhance their engagement. When play is directed by children, they are more likely to be invested in the process. This approach allows them to express their interests and creativity, giving them a personal stake in their play. Instead of directing the activities, parents and educators can step back, observe, and provide support when needed.
Allowing children to take the lead teaches them essential skills like decision-making, negotiation, and collaboration. They learn how to resolve conflicts and share ideas, all while developing crucial social skills.
Rotate Toys for Renewed Interest
To keep children's curiosity and interest alive, consider rotating toys frequently. Instead of having all toys available endlessly, store some away for a while and then reintroduce them later. This practice can spark renewed interest and creativity in children. For instance, a toy that hasn’t been played with for a month may seem brand new when brought back into the play area. This strategy not only refreshes playtime but helps children learn to value and take care of their belongings. Research shows that rotating toys can increase a child's playtime by up to 30%, making each play session more fulfilling.
Celebrate Effort
Emphasizing and celebrating the effort children put into their play fosters a growth mindset. Praising their creative efforts encourages them to embrace challenges and explore new ideas. For instance, when a child builds a tower, highlight their creative use of shapes and balance. This approach teaches children that the learning process is as important as the result, building resilience and determination.
The Lasting Impact of Intentional Play
Intentional Play profoundly influences early childhood by helping children learn, develop skills, and love learning. Encouraging this mindful approach nurtures curiosity, communication, and self-assurance, making it essential for healthy development and learning outcomes. Play offers growth and discovery opportunities, empowering future generations to become confident learners.
Final Thoughts & Winter Wellness
Nurturing play at home is simple yet deeply meaningful.
By offering open-ended materials, following the child’s lead, rotating toys, and celebrating effort, we create space for creativity and exploration to bloom.
Prioritising play shapes how children learn, connect, and grow — laying the foundation for a joyful, grounded future.
A quiet invitation
To live in closer rhythm with the season, explore our current Seasonal PlayBook.
A collection of low-prep, sensory-rich invitations to play; created to help you pause, connect, and gently inhabit the days, whatever the weather holds.
