Learning Through Play – A monthly parenting & early childhood development column
By Kelly McDonald & Paula Kelly
July 2026
In a world full of Pinterest-worthy activities and perfectly curated play spaces, it’s easy to feel like meaningful play requires a lot of planning.
The truth? It doesn’t.
Some of the most valuable learning happens during the simplest moments:
A cardboard box becomes a spaceship.
A blanket fort becomes a secret hideout.
A few toy animals become the stars of an exciting adventure.
Children don’t need elaborate activities to learn. They need time, space, and the freedom to explore their own ideas.
Why Simple Play Matters
When children engage in open-ended play—activities without a “right” way to play—they build important skills such as:
Creativity and imagination
Problem-solving
Flexible thinking
Attention and focus
Confidence and independence
The more children lead the play, the more opportunities they have to think, create, and learn.
Try This: The Cardboard Box Challenge
Before recycling your next cardboard box, give it to your child and ask:
“What could this become?”
You may end up with a race car, castle, rocket ship, animal home, or something you never could have imagined. Open-ended materials like cardboard boxes encourage creativity, planning, problem-solving, and imaginative thinking—all through play.
Remember: Boredom Isn’t Bad
Sometimes children need a little unstructured time before they discover their next great idea.
If your child says, “I’m bored,” try resisting the urge to immediately provide entertainment. While it can be uncomfortable at first, boredom often sparks creativity and encourages children to use their imagination, problem-solve, and create their own fun.
Play Tip: Less Can Be More
Try putting out just a few toys at a time and rotating them every week or two.
Many families are surprised to find that children play longer, focus better, and use more imagination when there are fewer choices available. Too many options can sometimes be overwhelming, while a smaller selection encourages deeper engagement and more creative play.
Remember, play doesn’t need to look impressive to be meaningful. Often, the simplest play experiences create the biggest opportunities for learning. We believe some of the best learning happens when children are free to play, imagine, and explore.
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About the Authors
Kelly McDonald and Paula Kelly are the founders and owners of FUNdamentals, an educational play center located in East Providence, RI. Kelly is an occupational therapist, and Paula is a special educator, each with over 20 years of experience supporting children and families. As professionals and mothers, they are passionate about creating engaging, relationship-driven experiences that help children build confidence, skills, and a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Do you have a topic you would like to see Kelly & Paula cover? If so, let us know by emailing Info@EastProvHospitality.com with “Learning Through Play” in the subject line.
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