5 Ways to Encourage Open-Ended Play

Written by Noggin Team

It has been said that “play is child’s work” and the most important work indeed! Play is critical to a child’s overall well-being. It nurtures their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development–and of course, it’s just plain fun! Kids engage in a variety of play including social (playing with others), independent (playing on their own), guided (playing in an environment designed by adults to work towards a learning goal), and open-ended play (child-led play without boundaries). Each type benefits their growth and helps develop lifelong skills.

Open-ended or free play offers flexibility and promotes problem-solving, communication, and cooperation. While a puzzle or shape sorter has a fixed solution that helps build concentration, encourage task completion, and provide a sense of accomplishment, open-ended objects such as toy animals, cars, magnetic tiles or sand from the beach are open to interpretation and can be used in many ways. They increase engagement, boost storytelling and language development, and grow with children based on their cognitive development.

Because children are naturally curious, child-led play allows them to follow their imagination and showcase their creativity. It also builds independence as they are empowered to choose how they play as well as confidence as they try new things. When they take the lead, they practice problem solving, develop critical decision-making skills, and promote their social and emotional intelligence through pretend play. Here are five ways you can foster open-ended play at home:

Designate Time and Space

While open play is child-led, you can facilitate the process by offering plenty of downtime to allow kids to engage in play of their choice. Carving out playtime in their daily routine is an important part of their developmental growth. To give them a chance to engage in play whenever they’d like, be sure to keep open-ended toys like building blocks, dolls, play food, or dress up clothes on low shelves or baskets where kids can easily reach them.

Go Outside

Objects and special spaces found in nature offer endless possibilities! Let your child explore, collect, and create outside. Sticks can be magical wands, mud and rocks can be mixed into a yummy (pretend) stew, and leaves and flowers make beautiful art materials. Nature is a fabulous learning environment that invites children to experiment, explore, and engage in sensory experiences that stretch their imagination. Want to find hundreds of free outdoor learning activities by age or skill? Visit our partners at tinkergarten.com/activities.

Naturally Beautiful Self-Portrait

Create an Art Station

A blank piece of paper is an invitation for your child to create freely. Crafts are a great way to promote open play because they encourage inventiveness and allow children to produce anything they’d like. Designate a “maker’s station” with paper, crayons, paint, glue, stamps, playdough, or stickers where they can create their own masterpieces. Keep their interest by adding new and unexpected materials such as yarn, shells, cotton balls, and sponges. They’ll love discovering and figuring out how to use these new resources.

Inspire Your Little Artist

Read to Your Child

Being exposed to different kinds of books and stories is a great way for young children to hear vocabulary that might not be a part of their everyday experiences. Your local library is a wonderful resource; there are also lots of great e-books to choose from on Noggin, starring your child’s favorite characters! As you read, pause briefly to point out an unfamiliar word. Ask your child to guess what it might mean, based on clues in the story or pictures. Support your child’s curiosity about language by encouraging them to ask you about any new words they hear.

Create a Tissue Box Guitar

Follow Your Child’s Lead

Join in on the fun, but let them take charge and set the play plan. Allow them to explain what they’re playing or making without intervening. Open-ended questions encourage open-ended play and allow your child to lead the activity. Nurture their problem-solving skills by asking, “What do you think will happen next?” or “What can you make with this?” Engaging in conversation shows your interest, gets them excited about their ideas, and gives them a chance to elaborate on their thought process.