At the center of the Bay Area—where innovation abounds, and technology continues to reshape the future—the ironic concept that can build lifelong learning success is play. Yes, “play,” fun, and games are essential to instill a passion for lifelong learning among our students. At Learn And Play Montessori School (LAPMS), “play” goes beyond mere recreational activity; it is a crucial component of learning. Our play-based, Montessori-inspired programs (available in Fremont, Moraga, San Carlos and other Bay Area cities) teach an array of cognitive and social skills, through hands-on, imaginative, and fun play.
Many parents in the Bay Area — many in tech-driven industries —feel there is a need for critical thinking and problem-solving skills. That’s true, but many might not realize these skills can take shape at a very young age — and often the better methodology is “play” and not a strict, rule-based approach to education. A child might be using blocks to construct a tower, for example, working on a puzzle or engaging in pretend play. Still, whatever the activity, they are laying the groundwork for reasoning, adaptability and collaboration. These early experiences — both in structured and free play — are about trial and error; they allow children to find out how to gauge challenges and make informed decisions with confidence.
Play and Critical Thinking
At LAPMS, we believe that play is a chance for progressive education. When kids are playing—whether inside a Montessori classroom or outside at one of our playgrounds in Moraga or San Carlos—they’re utilizing logic, creativity, and communication to solve problems. Play, especially physical or spatial play, can be an easy way to teach concepts such as engineering, balance and spatial reasoning. Indeed, a simple game of building a bridge with blocks is priceless. Pretend play, such as turning a playground into a castle or jungle, gives kids the opportunity to create roles, structure rules, and manage how to negotiate social interactions. These kinds of activities get children to plan ahead, make decisions and shift strategies, skills that will benefit them in school and beyond.
Parents, especially those with ambitious careers, often voice anxiety about preparing their kids for a world they see as increasingly competitive. While structured academic learning is crucial, research indicates that play is equally essential to the development of future-ready skills. This is particularly true of STEM-related careers, where creativity and problem-solving are primary skills. Encouraging play at an early age breeds an innovative mindset that will serve children well, whether they have careers in software engineering or biotechnology or what have you.
In addition to cognitive development, play also promotes social-emotional development. Kids learn essential social skills during playtime, whether it’s a friendly game of tag at one of our Fremont campuses or collaborative projects at another location such as San Carlos. They negotiate rules, take turns and resolve conflicts — learning some necessary teamwork and leadership skills along the way. By role-playing, they not only play a game but also learn empathy –learning to put oneself in someone else’s shoes and be a better human.
The stakes are even higher for Bay Area families, where hectic lives can leave scant time for unstructured play. At LAPMS, we believe that play is one of the most powerful vehicles for understanding, and we make sure children across our campuses—from Moraga to Fremont—have the space and time to play, imagine, and grow. We aim to foster curiosity, collaboration, and a lifelong love of learning through a Montessori-inspired, play-based environment.
Are you curious to witness the power of play in action? If so, book a tour at one of our campuses and find out how our programs allow children to flourish in an unpredictable world through the educational magic of “play.”
