Active Play Creates Better Problem Solvers

Posted: 23rd January 2023

Problem solving is a fundamental skill for little ones to master as part of their development. It is a trait that is nurtured through play, the benefits of which we are celebrating all month. On the surface, play is simply great fun!

Fun and so much more!

And who doesn’t enjoy seeing their little one enjoying themselves whilst they play? But play offers so much more than simple fun. At Gymboree Play & Music, our programmes are designed by education and play experts to provide an experience and environment that enables babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers to develop physically, emotionally and cognitively.

One of the cognitive benefits of play is that it creates better problem solvers. Our programmes are created to support learning around the ways little ones think, explore their environments and ultimately figure things out. It’s one of the things that sets us apart from other children’s activities.

Brain Growth and Development

little boy at Gymboree Play & Music

Up to the age of two is a period of rapid cognitive growth, according to Swiss Psychologist Jean Piaget. This is where they develop an understanding of the world through their senses and their movement. They learn about the existence of objects and things and also about motion or events which occur in their immediate space, either with or without their contribution.

Beyond 24 months, they become increasingly adept at understanding symbolism. For example, little ones begin to play out scenarios through pretend play. This is where they start to role play and pretend to be mummy, daddy, or even pirates, cowboys or astronauts! Our Runners, Explorers, Play Lab, and Family Play classes are ideal for this stage of development.

Each of these classes challenges young minds to imagine outcomes and to play through scenarios. Play Lab and Lego in particular, which encourages STEAM-based learning, introduces engineering and experimentation which provide pre-schoolers with the tools for creative problem-solving. So, you see play is so beneficial to child development.

So why not enquire now and come along to experience the benefits of play at Gymboree Play & Music!

Next up Play Builds Better Language Development

Back to 45 Minutes can do Wonders

Benefits, child development, classes

Reviews

Both of my children (3.5 years and 11 months) go to Gymboree Play & Music and love it. My toddler goes to their drop-off Lego class which she raves about. It's very creative, working not only on Lego skills but also painting, drawing etc. My infant son loves his Gymboree Play & Music Crawlers class - particularly loves crawling all over their props, through the tunnels, etc. Great way to get the infant crawling over obstacles! Gymboree Play & Music is part of our weekly schedule for both kids and we look forward to participating every week. Invaluable!

Natalia, Hampstead

Gymboree Play & Music was a lovely and positive experience for my son Leo. We started when he was 9 months and he is now 3 years old, I wish we had started sooner.
He loves the songs (which is part of our daily singing at home), the freedom to explore and he was happy there. He looks forward to class every week and once class is over he will tell everyone about Gymbo and what he did.
For me, I liked that it taught him how to get down safely from a height, how to learn to use his body, and touching on different topics every 2 weeks. It gave me confidence in other environments to trust that he has the ability that he learned from Gymboree Play & Music and to trust him.

Sheena, Sevenoaks

I’ve been taking both my newborn and toddler to Gymboree Play & Music for a couple of months now and both boys are really loving the classes and open gym sessions. It’s a great way to meet other mums, entertain toddlers at witching hour(!) and get ideas for sensory play with babies. Sophie and Cat are fantastic and have so much energy and loads of different ideas for the classes, plus make sure the activities it’s help children meet their development milestones as well. Highly recommend this if you’re thinking about joining!! Thanks so much Sophie, Cat and the wider team :-)

Pippa, Tunbridge Wells