Learning Through Play: Supporting Children’s Growth Across All Developmental Areas
- Elite Team of Educators
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
Competency II: To advance physical and intellectual competence
Play Is How Children Learn
In early childhood classrooms, learning does not begin with worksheets. It begins with curiosity.
It begins with stacking blocks, mixing colors, pretending to cook, counting toy animals, and asking endless questions about the world.
Play is not separate from learning. It is the foundation of it.
CDA Competency Standard II focuses on advancing children’s physical and intellectual development. This competency challenges educators to intentionally plan experiences that support growth across all developmental areas while honoring how young children naturally learn.
Supporting the Whole Child Through Intentional Experiences
Children develop in multiple areas at the same time. Language strengthens while they build. Math develops while they sort. Social skills grow while they take turns.
Intentional educators plan experiences that nurture:
Language and early literacy
Cognitive and problem solving skills
Fine and gross motor development
Social awareness and cooperation
Emotional regulation and self confidence
Creativity and imagination
The goal is not to control play. The goal is to guide it with purpose.
What Intentional Play Looks Like in Practice
Intentional teaching means thinking beyond the activity itself.
It means asking:
What skills are children building here?
How does this connect to their interests?
How can I support children who need additional help?
For example, a sensory exploration table is not just about touching materials. It builds vocabulary, strengthens fine motor skills, and supports early science thinking.
A dramatic play center is not just pretend cooking. It strengthens language, social negotiation, and emotional expression.
An outdoor obstacle course is not just movement. It supports coordination, perseverance, and confidence.
When educators plan thoughtfully, play becomes powerful.
Adapting Experiences for All Learners
Competency II also emphasizes responsiveness. Not all children learn the same way or at the same pace.
Intentional educators adjust experiences by:
Providing visual supports for children developing language
Offering adaptive tools for children strengthening fine motor control
Allowing movement breaks for children who need sensory input
Simplifying instructions and modeling expectations
Inclusion is not an extra step. It is part of strong planning.
Resource Collection Spotlight: What Competency II Requires
For CDA candidates, Competency II includes one required Resource Collection section:
RC II: Nine Learning Experiences
Candidates must prepare nine written learning experiences, one from each of the following areas:
Science or Sensory
Language and Literacy
Creative Arts
Fine Motor
Gross Motor
Self Concept
Emotional Skills
Social Skills
Mathematics
Each learning experience should clearly identify:
The developmental goal
The activity description
Materials needed
How the experience supports children’s growth
It is important that these experiences reflect your own classroom, age group, and teaching style. Authenticity matters.
Why Learning Through Play Matters
Research consistently shows that young children learn best when they are actively engaged. Through intentional play experiences, children develop:
Critical thinking
Problem solving
Communication
Collaboration
Confidence
Play based learning prepares children not only for school, but for life.
A Final Reflection
Learning through play is not accidental. It requires thought, preparation, and responsiveness.
When educators intentionally design experiences across developmental areas, they are not simply completing a requirement. They are honoring how children are wired to learn.
Through purposeful play, children grow stronger in body, mind, and confidence.
About the Author
This article was written by the Elite Team of Educators, a group of experienced early childhood professionals dedicated to supporting educators at every stage of their CDA journey. Our team develops training, coaching, and resources designed to help you grow with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
For more guidance, tips, and real conversations about earning your CDA and strengthening your practice, subscribe to the Elite Educational Enterprises YouTube Channel. We regularly share updates, walkthroughs, and encouragement to support you every step of the way.