Why Play-Based Learning Helps Preschoolers Thrive: A Peek Inside Alice Smith School’s Early Years

Are you searching for the right preschool in Kuala Lumpur, one that truly understands how young children learn best? If so, you’ve probably come across the term play-based learning.

But what does it actually mean, and why is it considered one of the most effective approaches for preschoolers? At Alice Smith School, it’s the foundation upon which lifelong learning is built.

Let’s dive into why play is so vital for young children and how it helps them blossom into confident, curious, and capable learners.

Curiosity & Confidence: The Magic of Play

At Alice Smith School, teachers intentionally ignite natural curiosity. For example, they might place a vintage typewriter in the classroom without any explanation. Immediately, the questions start:

• What is this?
• How does it work?
• What can I do with it?

Children become scientists and detectives, making guesses, testing their hypotheses and discovering answers on their own. This inquiry-based approach not only makes learning thrilling but also helps children build confidence and practice their problem-solving skills.

They learn that it’s okay not to know everything right away, and that asking questions is the first step to finding out more.

Everyday Play: Real Learning in Action

One of the most wonderful things about play-based learning is that it turns ordinary moments into powerful learning opportunities. At Alice Smith, the Early Years classrooms are filled with open-ended materials such as blocks, balls, playdough, sand, and sticks which might seem simple at first, but are actually gateways to understanding bigger concepts in maths, science and language.

Here’s how everyday play translates into deep learning:

Blocks: While building towers and bridges, children explore balance, symmetry, and teamwork. They negotiate with friends, test what works, and learn from their mistakes.

Balls: Rolling, bouncing, and catching balls all help develop *coordination* and even early maths concepts as children compare sizes, speeds, and distances.

Playdough: Squishing, rolling, and shaping playdough not only sparks creativity—it also strengthens the small muscles in the hands that are essential for writing.

Outdoor materials (sticks, sand, leaves): These encourage children to invent stories, construct imaginary worlds, and express their ideas through play.

Through these activities, children stay engaged and excited to discover more, because learning feels like an adventure rather than a chore.

Take a simple activity like juicing oranges, a favourite among the little ones at Alice Smith. At first glance, it might just look like messy fun. But look closer:

Maths: As children cut oranges into halves and quarters, they’re exploring fractions and learning about parts and whole in a way that makes sense to them.

Language: With words like “juice,” “zest,” and “grate,” their vocabulary grows as they use these words in context.

Motor Skills: Squeezing, cutting, and pouring require careful hand movements, building the fine motor skills needed for writing and drawing.

Every day experiences like these are packed with learning, all while children enjoy themselves and feel comfortable and confident.

The magic of play-based learning isn’t just in the activities themselves; it’s in how teachers interact with children. At Alice Smith, Early Years teachers act as guides rather than lecturers. Instead of giving all the answers, they ask open-ended questions like:

• "What are you wondering about today?”
• “How did you build that?”
• “What might happen if…?”

These questions encourage children to think deeply, communicate their ideas and take ownership of their learning journey. The result? Confident, independent thinkers who aren’t afraid to ask questions or try new things.

A Warm, Caring Community

When you walk into the Early Years at Alice Smith, you immediately feel the difference. The environment is inviting and creative, designed to make every child feel safe and valued. As Malaysia’s original not-for-profit international school, Alice Smith reinvests in high-quality teachers, resources and learning spaces, ensuring that children have the very best start.

Parents often say that their children can’t wait to go to school each day, because it’s a place where friendships blossom, imaginations soar and every child is encouraged to shine.

Start Your Child’s Learning Journey with Play

The early years are a magical time, full of questions, discoveries, and joyful growth. If you want your child to enjoy learning through curiosity, creativity, and play, Alice Smith School is a wonderful choice for Preschool in Kuala Lumpur.

Ready to bring more play-based learning into your child’s life? Download our free guide HERE.