“Children learn best through open-ended, exploratory play,” said Wendy Oon, principal of MapleBear Bukit Bintang, an early-childhood educational centre.
“Unstructured play allows them to explore, ask questions, discover new ideas, and build a strong sense of self. They develop ideas, confidence and expressive creativity, which lays the foundation for the stories they will one day write.”
According to Oon, unstructured play should unfold naturally in a safe space – a “YES space”, where children feel trusted and supported, and where their ideas are met with curiosity rather than limitation.
These sentiments are echoed by Teoh Mei Ying, co-founder of Aden+Ren, which specialises in children’s educational toys and furniture. “Open-ended toys allow children to explore, imagine, and create on their own terms. Such experiences aid in developing gross and fine motor skills, while boosting problem-solving abilities, emotional regulation, social skills, and self-confidence.
“Unstructured play engages senses that are often overlooked, such as the vestibular sense, which supports balance and coordination, and the proprioceptive sense, which helps with body and spatial awareness. These are foundational for children’s overall wellbeing,” she added.
Practical strategies to integrate child-directed play include allowing children to select their own activities during free time, providing access to materials that can be used in diverse and imaginative ways, and respecting their unique play processes without imposing external goals.
What can parents do at home?
1. Prepare the environment
Designate an area in your home where your child has the freedom to explore, make a mess, and play safely without constant adult intervention. Equip this space with open-ended materials like blocks, balance boards and balance beams, art supplies, and sensory toys.
Toys should also be easily accessible instead of hidden away in boxes that require an adult’s intervention to retrieve.
2. Offer unscheduled free time daily
Dedicate a portion of each day to unscheduled playtime, allowing your child to decide what and how they want to play. Avoid directing or structuring this time; instead, let their creativity and interests guide the experience.
3. Ask open-ended questions
Engage with your child by showing genuine interest in their activities without taking over. Ask questions like “what are you building?” or “how does this work?” to encourage deeper thinking and exploration.
If they are deeply engaged, avoid interrupting their play. Instead, wait until they are no longer “in the zone” before asking questions.
What can educators do in school?
1. Designate a ‘YES space’ in the classroom
Start by establishing a dedicated, safe area where children know they can explore freely, without judgement or unnecessary restrictions. In this space, students are encouraged to experiment, make mistakes, and express their ideas openly.
By creating an environment that celebrates curiosity, educators help children develop confidence and resilience, showing them that their ideas are valued and supported.
2. Incorporate free-play blocks into daily schedule
Dedicate specific times during the day for self-directed play using a variety of open-ended materials that spark curiosity and creativity. Modular play furniture and versatile toys, for instance, can transform any classroom into a dynamic learning environment.
3. Create interest-based play stations
Set up stations around the classroom tailored to various themes and play types, such as building, sensory exploration, roleplaying, or arts and crafts. Allow kids to choose the station that appeals to them, encouraging ownership of their learning.
Instead of providing specific instructions, let them decide how they want to interact with each station, fostering autonomy and sparking creativity.
4. Encourage peer collaboration
Allow group play experiences where children can engage with one another independently, promoting collaboration, negotiation, and problem-solving.
Teachers should act as facilitators, observing and stepping in only when necessary, giving children the space to build social skills such as empathy, patience and teamwork.
5. Model curiosity and ask questions
Teachers can inspire deeper engagement by modelling curiosity and asking open-ended questions. This subtle guidance respects children’s autonomy while prompting further thinking, making learning a collaborative, discovery-filled experience.