Through play, children learn…
As they create knowledge
To explore
To create
To problem solve
To challenge ideas
To lead
To express their own ideas, feelings and emotions
To respect the ideas of others
To cooperate as they work with others
To assume responsibility for the consequences of personal actions
Self reliance
To speak and listen
About written communication
To manage their time, and space, and belongings
To organise things
To show initiative
About socially acceptable behaviour
To be enterprising
To imagine
To think
How to apply the knowledge and concepts they are learning
To gather information
To be adaptable
About their bodies, ways of moving and what they are capable of
To put things together and to break them down again
To persevere
To try different ways of finding solutions
To manage stress and overwhelming emotions
To function as a productive member of their community 

And this is just a tiny snapshot of the learning potential of play.

Playopedia is a collection of outstanding play ideas shared by bloggers from around the world. Many of these ideas were originally shared as part of the We Play meme which featured on Childhood 101 for more than 12 months, you can see the full We Play archives (and 1000+ play ideas) here.

Take time to look through these play ideas and you are sure to be inspired. For a description of each Playopedia category, check out this page. For ideas for creating play spaces, you’ll find more information here. And if you have blogged about a great play idea, why not submit your link here.

You’ll find even more information about and ideas for children’s play and learning in the Childhood 101 play category here. Now you really have no excuse not to be playing!