Smart Learning@Kids: Building brighter futures through play

Ever wondered how a simple game of peekaboo can spark a child’s curiosity? Or how a toddler’s laughter during play can build the foundation for lifelong learning? At this tender age, every moment is a learning opportunity. That’s why the PlaySteps programme at Apeejay Rhythms Kinderworld, GK II, for toddlers aged 1.6 to 2 years, is designed to seek the balance in children’s lives to create the optimal developmental milieu. Such an environment makes the child more resilient and healthy and improves their developmental outcomes.

According to Ms Komal Nathani, School Head, Apeejay Rhythms Kinderworld, GK II, this innovative programme by Rhythms Kinderworld in a structured and thoughtful approach manifests in its layout of class areas, play and work station equipment, hands-on activities with a delicate balance of facilitator-initiated vis-à-vis child-initiated activities within a conducive, creative and flexible frame that allows for joyful learning.

“Through this, the tiny tots achieve greater levels of mastery as they play and explore different objects and textures that allow the brain to process information. Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being of children. Observation, imitation, social interaction, and free play hone their instincts at Rhythms, making play more of a language of curiosity to channelise in an appropriate direction,” Ms Nathani said.

The objective of these early years of learning is to produce a child who is beginning to feel confident about himself/herself, enjoys creative tasks, can make simple decisions easily and enjoys the process of learning.

Learning through play

Through age-appropriate activities like music, movement, storytelling, and free play, the programme encourages children to explore, imagine, and express themselves. This play-based approach ensures that learning happens naturally, without pressure.

Boosting cognitive development

The activities are thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity and enhance thinking skills. Whether it’s solving a simple puzzle, stacking blocks, or matching shapes and colours, these tasks build memory, problem-solving abilities, and attention span. Each play session lays the groundwork for academic readiness later on.

Emotional growth begins here

PlaySteps provides a safe space where they can express feelings freely. Whether through pretend play, art activities, or music, children learn to manage emotions, develop confidence, and feel secure. Gentle guidance from caring educators helps them cope with separation anxiety and build trust.

Social skills take root

Children learn the basics of communication — listening, taking turns, and expressing their needs. These early social experiences form the building blocks of empathy, cooperation, and friendship.

At Apeejay Rhythms Kinderworld, the PlaySteps programme is more than just play. “In a playful, hands-on setting, children learn to collaborate and communicate effectively with their peers, practising empathy and negotiation. They create shared narratives and friendships through cooperative play, which lays the groundwork for future social interactions,” the School Head said.