Learning Through Play – A monthly parenting & early childhood development column
By Kelly McDonald & Paula Kelly
March 2026
Why Repetition Is a Good Thing
“Again!”
If that word shows up on repeat in your house, you’re not alone.
The same book.
The same song.
The same game — day after day.
From years of working with children and families, we hear this question often:
“Shouldn’t my child be moving on by now?”
Here’s what experience tells us — repetition is not a sign that learning has stalled. It’s a sign that learning is happening.
When children repeat play, they’re strengthening skills they’re still building. Each time they return to the same activity, their brain and body are working together to understand it more deeply.
That puzzle your child chooses again and again?
They’re refining coordination, problem-solving, and confidence.
That pretend game they replay for weeks?
They’re practicing language, social roles, and emotional understanding.
Repetition also helps children feel regulated. Familiar activities provide predictability, which supports a child’s ability to stay calm, focused, and engaged — especially during busy or changing days.
What looks repetitive to us is often purposeful to them.
Why This Matters
Children don’t learn skills all at once. Repetition gives them the chance to practice, feel successful, and build confidence at their own pace. When adults allow space for repeated play, children develop persistence, independence, and a stronger foundation for future learning.
Play Tip: Try This
When your child repeats an activity, stay nearby and observe before stepping in. You can gently support learning by making a small change — or simply describe what you notice — without interrupting their process.
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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.
