In a world that often measures pupil achievement by test scores and academic milestones, it’s easy to forget that some of the most profound learning happens away from textbooks through play at Japari School, a leading assisted learning school in Johannesburg, South Africa, we understand that play isn’t just fun; it’s the foundation for academic, social, and emotional growth for children of all abilities.
Structured play and play-based learning are at the heart of what we do. Our classrooms, therapy sessions, and after-school activities are alive with games, creative projects, role-play, and discovery. Through these hands-on experiences, pupils develop not only academic skills but also life skills: problem-solving, confidence, resilience, teamwork, and more.
In this blog, we’ll explore why structured play matters, how it’s woven into daily life at Japari School, and why parents and educators should embrace play-based approaches as a powerful tool for skill development. We’ll also share practical examples, highlight research, and offer resources, including our past post, Learning Through Play: Creative Activities During School Breaks.
Why Play-Based Learning Matters
Play-based learning is not just a buzzword. It’s a scientifically-backed approach that nurtures children’s curiosity and love of learning. At Japari School, we see the benefits every day in our diverse, neurodiverse classrooms.
Cognitive Development
Creativity and Imagination
Play invites children to imagine, invent, and create. Whether it’s building a fantastical world from blocks, designing a board game, or storytelling in groups, children are free to experiment and “think outside the box.” This nurtures imagination, a key ingredient for innovation and success later in life.
Problem-Solving Skills
During play, pupils encounter real-world challenges: How do I build a tower that doesn’t fall? What rules make a game fair for everyone? These experiences develop critical thinking and analytical skills as children learn to assess patterns, make decisions, and find creative solutions.
Language Development
Play-based learning sparks communication. Whether children are negotiating game rules, role-playing shopkeepers and customers, or telling stories, they’re practising vocabulary, grammar, and expressive language in a natural, engaging context.
Social and Emotional Development
Social Skills
Play is inherently social. Through games, pupils practice sharing, cooperating, negotiating, and resolving conflicts. Skills vital for healthy relationships and teamwork. At Japari, we often observe shy or anxious pupils “come out of their shells” through play, building friendships and confidence along the way.
Emotional Intelligence
Play gives children a safe space to express feelings, experiment with different roles, and manage emotions. Learning how to handle winning, losing, frustration, and excitement in a supportive environment lays the groundwork for emotional resilience.
Self-Confidence
When children master a new game, lead a group activity, or solve a tricky puzzle, they gain a sense of competence and autonomy. Play fosters self-worth and the belief, “I can do hard things”, allowing children to move on to harder tasks and gain confidence to solve them.
Physical Development
Motor Skills
Play-based activities, like drawing, building with blocks, or playing tag, all develop both fine and gross motor skills. At Japari, we value sensory and movement breaks that integrate physical activity into the learning process, benefiting children with a range of learning needs.
Physical Health
Active play supports overall physical health, from coordination and balance to cardiovascular fitness. Our school playground, sports program, and classroom “movement corners” ensure pupils move their bodies as well as their minds.
Holistic, Individualised Growth
Well-Rounded Development
Structured play integrates cognitive, social-emotional, and physical growth, creating balanced, well-rounded pupils.
A Love of Learning
Most importantly, when learning is fun and engaging, children develop a lifelong love of learning. A gift that extends far beyond school.
Personalised Pace
Play-based learning allows every child to learn at their own pace, explore their interests, and find their own path to success. For pupils at Japari School, many of whom thrive with tailored support this is crucial.
The Japari School Approach to Play-Based Learning
At Japari School, structured play is woven into every facet of our curriculum, from the youngest classes to our senior pupils. Our philosophy is simple: Every child deserves a chance to learn, grow, and shine through play.
Daily Play in the Classroom
In every class, our teachers use games, hands-on activities, and role-play to reinforce academic concepts and life skills:
- Math Games:
Number puzzles, card games, or board games turn Maths into a friendly challenge. Pupils compete, collaborate, and apply skills in context, making abstract concepts concrete. - Literacy Play:
Story dice, word bingo, and “acting out” stories transform reading and writing into joyful, multisensory experiences.
(Explore more in our blog, Learning Through Play: Creative Activities During School Breaks.) - Social Skills Activities:
“Feelings charades,” cooperative group games, and role-play scenarios help children develop empathy, conflict resolution, and communication skills.
Play-Based Learning in Therapy
Many Japari students benefit from on-campus therapy such as speech-language, occupational, or counselling. Therapists use play as a powerful tool for skill development:
- Speech therapy games help with pronunciation, vocabulary, and turn-taking.
- Occupational therapy play builds fine motor skills, sensory processing, and body awareness.
- Social skills groups use games and improvisation to practice perspective-taking and emotional regulation.
Structured Play for Older Pupils
Play is not just for little ones! At Japari, we design age-appropriate play-based activities for older pupils:
- Team-building challenges:
Escape rooms, scavenger hunts, or cooperative board games foster leadership, negotiation, and strategic thinking. - Role-play for real-life skills:
Older pupils practice job interviews, budgeting in a “classroom shop,” or resolving mock social dilemmas, bridging play and life preparation. - Creative exploration:
Art projects, music, and drama let pupils express themselves, collaborate, and build confidence. Critical for adolescents navigating change.
Play as Part of School Culture
Our playgrounds, garden, and after-school activities all reflect our belief in the power of play:
- Lunch breaks twice a day are essential, not optional:
Regular breaks for unstructured play boost mood, focus, and resilience. Pupils have two lunch breaks where they eat their food and are allowed to play while being watched by the teacher on duty. - Celebrating creativity:
Annual festivals, talent shows, and theme days give children a stage to share their passions and enjoy the fun side of school.
Academic Skills Through Structured Play
At Japari, structured play is an entry point for teaching and reinforcing core academic skills in ways that stick.
Mathematics
- Math board games: Games like “Mathopoly” or “Sum Swamp” build number sense, calculation skills, and logical thinking.
- Building with blocks: Activities that involve measuring, comparing, or creating patterns foster spatial reasoning and Math vocabulary.
- Hands-on manipulatives: Using counters, dice, or cards makes Maths tangible, particularly for pupils who struggle with abstract concepts.
Literacy
- Storytelling games: Group storytelling or “pass the story” activities encourage creativity, sequencing, and vocabulary.
- Word scavenger hunts: Searching for words in the classroom or outdoors boosts reading fluency and makes literacy active.
- Rhyming and phonics games: Clapping out syllables, rhyming relays, or “phonics fishing” reinforce early reading skills. Read our blog post on building strong readers: the powerful impact of phonics on remedial learning.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Feelings games: Emotion card games or “feelings charades” help children recognise, name, and talk about emotions.
- Team games: Relay races, cooperative challenges, and “trust walks” develop collaboration, empathy, and leadership. We do a lot of these in our camps every year.
- Reflection circles: Sharing “highs and lows” after a game or activity helps children process experiences and build resilience.
Adapting Structured Play for Older Pupils
Many people assume play-based learning is just for the early years, but at Japari, we adapt play to engage and challenge older pupils, too.
Gamified Learning
- Quiz games, competitions, and apps revise and practising exciting.
- Escape rooms built around curriculum topics foster teamwork, creative problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Real-Life Simulations
- Debate sessions use role-play to develop public speaking, negotiation, and research skills.
- Financial literacy games (“classroom economy,” “business startup challenges”) make Maths and economics relevant and practical. We also offer business days for our pupils to sell specific goods at the market and see how much profit they can make. Enabling them to count out the money throughout the day, as well as determine profit gains or losses from the market.
Creative and Collaborative Projects
- Group art, music, or technology projects foster creative expression, leadership, and shared achievement.
- Peer teaching: Older pupils create games or activities for younger classes, reinforcing their own skills and nurturing responsibility.
Balancing Academics with Creative Exploration
At Japari School, we believe that academic excellence and creative exploration go hand in hand.
- Structured play is purposeful: Every game, activity, or project is designed to reinforce curriculum goals while keeping pupils motivated and engaged.
- Assessment is holistic: We value not only test results but also collaboration, creativity, and social growth.
- Teachers as facilitators: Our educators are guides and mentors, helping each child find their own way to understanding. Whether through a science experiment, group game, or creative project.
This approach means pupils are challenged, supported, and inspired. All at once.
Play-Based Learning for All: Supporting Diverse Needs
As an assisted learning school, Japari is uniquely positioned to leverage play for pupils with learning differences:
- Differentiated play: Activities are tailored for individual abilities, strengths, and interests.
- Safe space for risk-taking: Pupils who may struggle with traditional academics find success and self-worth in play-based activities.
- Therapy through play: Speech-language, occupational, and counselling support are integrated into playful, non-threatening contexts, reducing anxiety and promoting growth.
Parents of children with ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, or sensory challenges often tell us how transformative play-based learning has been for their child’s confidence, friendships, and joy in coming to school.
Parental Involvement: Bringing Play Home
Play-based learning doesn’t end at the school gate! Here’s how parents can nurture skill development at home:
- Family board game nights: Build Maths, strategy, and communication skills.
- Storytime and role-play: Bring books to life, or create your own stories.
- Creative projects: Cook, build, or craft together. Encourage your child to lead and problem-solve.
- Unstructured play: Give children free time for imaginative, independent play.
For inspiration, see our previous blog, Learning Through Play: Creative Activities During School Breaks.
Looking Ahead: Play as a Lifelong Skill
The world is changing, and the skills our children need such as creativity, collaboration, adaptability are nurtured through play. At Japari School, we are committed to ensuring every child experiences the power and joy of structured play, every day.
We continually innovate with new games, technology, and cross-curricular projects, ensuring our pupils are prepared not just for tests, but for life. Play builds the confidence, curiosity, and skills needed to thrive in a fast-moving world.
Conclusion
Play is not a break from learning; it is learning. At Japari School, structured play-based learning is at the core of our approach, helping children develop academic excellence, social and emotional strength, and a genuine love of discovery. By balancing academics with creativity and supporting each child’s unique journey, we empower every learner to build the skills and the confidence to succeed.
For parents seeking a school where play, innovation, and personal growth go hand in hand, Japari School in Johannesburg stands out as one of South Africa’s best assisted learning schools. Contact us today or Enrol Online.