If you’ve ever stepped foot in a preschool classroom, you know it’s not your typical calm, quiet environment. Picture a scene of mini-explorers in action: finger paints on one side, a make-believe kitchen on the other, and a group of giggling kids playing with building blocks in the middle. As a parent navigating the world of early childhood education in Bali, you may be wondering: is all this play really necessary? Or better yet, is it enough? Well, let me tell you, Bali has embraced an innovative approach known as “learning through play,” and it’s redefining how we think about preschool education.
So, why should you care? Let me take you on a little journey of discovery, and you might just see why Bali’s play-based learning approach is gaining momentum. As a mom who’s been there—both skeptical and amazed—here are five reasons why learning through play might just be the game-changer we all need for our kids.
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1. Play is Not Just Fun—It’s Brain Food!
First, let’s debunk a common misconception: playing is not a waste of time. We all know how quickly children’s minds absorb everything around them, and their brains are growing at an unbelievable rate in those early years. Bali’s schools understand this, and their “learning through play” philosophy is all about stimulating that brain growth in natural, engaging ways.
I remember when my daughter, Sophie, started preschool here. As a French-American family adjusting to the island, I had my doubts. “How are they going to learn anything if all they do is play all day?” I thought. But a month later, Sophie could name more fruits in Bahasa than I could—and all through a fun matching game they played in class!
It turns out, when kids are playing, they’re actually making sense of the world around them. Research shows that play helps build cognitive skills like problem-solving, memory, and language. So, next time your child is pretending to be a pirate or a shopkeeper, remember—they’re learning critical life skills too.
2. Social Skills Blossom on the Playground
Here’s the second reason Bali’s play-based education is a win: it fosters social development. And we’re not just talking about taking turns on the slide or sharing crayons. Kids learn empathy, cooperation, and negotiation—essential tools for later in life.
In Bali, the emphasis on outdoor play means kids are constantly interacting with their peers in diverse, multi-cultural settings. My son, Jonah, is an absolute extrovert (thanks to his British dad, I suppose). He thrives in this environment where he’s playing with local Balinese kids, expats from all over, and even a few other French-American hybrids like himself. The friendships he’s building aren’t just playmates for today—they’re bridges to understanding different cultures and viewpoints.
3. It Cultivates Creativity Without Boundaries
Let me tell you about a day at school that left me both in awe and slightly envious of my kids’ education here in Bali. Jonah came home one day talking about how they’d built a “rocket” out of recycled materials, complete with cardboard wings and bottle-cap buttons.
The project was part of a week-long “explore space” theme, which was another way of learning through play. The best part? The teachers didn’t direct the kids—they gave them the tools and let their imaginations take off. Jonah and his classmates spent hours figuring out how to make their creation “fly,” all while learning basic concepts of physics, teamwork, and perseverance.
This kind of creative freedom is central to learning through play in Bali. It allows kids to stretch their imagination, think outside the box, and come up with their own solutions. And really, what more could we ask for as parents?
4. Play Reduces Stress and Builds Emotional Resilience
We all know how overwhelming the world can be, even for adults. Now imagine being a little person, just starting to navigate emotions like frustration, fear, and joy. It’s a lot to handle. Bali’s learning through play approach helps children build emotional resilience by providing them with a safe space to explore and express their feelings.
In Sophie’s school, they have this beautiful tradition called “Feelings Friday,” where the kids use puppets, songs, and role-play to talk about their emotions. One week, Sophie came home and told me that she had played a puppet who was “feeling angry” because the other puppets wouldn’t let him join their game.
Through that simple play, she learned not only how to identify her own emotions but also how to empathize with others. I could see the change in her behavior when a friend wouldn’t share toys at a playdate. Instead of reacting with tears, she calmly said, “That’s okay, I’ll wait.” Now, tell me that’s not a win for both of us!
5. Nature is the Ultimate Classroom in Bali
Bali has something special that most other places don’t: nature in abundance. And the schools here take full advantage of it. Jungle gyms are literally in the jungle, and many lessons happen under the shade of frangipani trees or by a beach.
You see, learning through play isn’t confined to four walls. Bali’s schools integrate nature into the curriculum, whether it’s through outdoor games, gardening, or eco-focused activities. Jonah once told me that his class went on a “mini-safari” where they explored the rice fields behind their school, looking for different insects.
By connecting play with nature, kids learn to respect their environment while also getting in their daily dose of adventure. It’s a perfect balance—hands-on, messy, and magical.
So, Is Bali’s Approach Right for Your Child?
If you’re anything like me, the thought of your child’s education is constantly on your mind. And while the play-based approach might seem unconventional, I’ve come to realize that it’s exactly what my kids need. Learning through play gives them the tools to grow emotionally, socially, and intellectually—all while having the time of their lives.
Whether you’re new to Bali or have been here for years, I encourage you to visit one of these schools, chat with the teachers, and see for yourself how this method works. You may just find that the combination of play and education is the perfect fit for your little explorer too.
Now, what do you think? Would you consider embracing the learning through play philosophy for your child? Let’s hear your thoughts—because after all, we’re all in this parenting journey together!
