A game developer shares insight on a smart approach to healthy and effective screentime.
GUEST COLUMN | by Brian Lovell
CRAYOLA
Because of our technology-driven world, the way children learn is evolving—51% of children aged 8 and younger have their own mobile device, with 40% of children having a tablet by age 2 (Common Sense Media). Yet, for children under five, one of the most effective ways to foster early learning has remained timeless: play. Play-based learning is more than just a fun pastime we all inevitably grow out of—play is a fundamental part of early cognitive, social, and emotional development. When combined with innovative technologies—tech that is already in the hands of our young ones—we’ve found that play-based learning can reach new heights and offer early learners engaging experiences that support creativity, critical thinking, and self-confidence.
‘…we’ve found that play-based learning can reach new heights and offer early learners engaging experiences that support creativity, critical thinking, and self-confidence.’
The Science Behind Play-Based Learning
From infancy through their early years, children learn through play; they learn through “unlimited freedom to play, explore and pursue one’s own interests” (Gray 2016). Play allows each and every child to develop language skills, fine and gross motor skills, and emotional intelligence in their own natural and enjoyable way.
Moreso, when children are given autonomy in choosing how they play, they ultimately feel more engaged and intrinsically motivated. This sense of ownership and agency over their learning builds a natural curiosity and confidence, which sets a strong foundation for lifelong learning. The most effective early learning experiences provide ample opportunities for choice and exploration.
Technology as a Catalyst for Play and Learning
There are plenty of parents out there that are concerned—validly, I might add—that screens and tablets will only be a deterrent from play-based learning and education, in general.
In our experience, games, interactive apps and digital experiences, when designed thoughtfully, responsibly and conscientiously, can actually enhance play-based learning rather than replace it. By integrating creativity, logic, problem-solving and even hand-eye coordination type engagement, combined within playful activities, these technologies can support cognitive and social development while making learning fun and accessible for every child.
Crayola Create and Play, an industry leading product, provides an excellent example of how an expansive digital world, specifically for young audiences (3-8 year olds), can bring productive-play and play-based learning to the forefront. Even Crayola Adventures, a game full of unique storytelling, character development, and creative self-expression, does more than provide an immersive play-based learning environment and healthy screentime for younger audiences. It can also be a shared experience between young players and their parents.
These two examples offer a variety of open-ended activities that allow children (and sometimes parents) to explore art, storytelling, and interactive play without restrictive rules or rigid learning structures. Instead of passively consuming content, children actively create and experiment, they develop their imagination, and they hone their critical thinking skills, all while having a great time.
When children are engaged in playful experiences that are both stimulating and supportive, they build their own sense of resilience, self worth, and sense of accomplishment. This balance between challenge and encouragement is crucial in our children’s development of their own self-confidence and willingness to take on new challenges.
The Lasting Benefits of Play-Based Learning
Investing in play-based learning, especially when supported by thoughtful and conscientiously designed technology, has shown us the kind of long-term benefits these efforts can have for children’s development. These experiences have fostered a wide range of learnings and critical skills in young children, including:
- Willingness to Try New Things: By engaging in play with new tools and concepts, children become more open to exploration and learning.
- Self-Confidence: When kids succeed in creative or problem-solving tasks, they develop a strong sense of self-worth.
- Emotional Expression: Creative activities allow children to express their emotions in a safe and constructive way.
- Extended Independent Play: The ability to engage deeply in play enhances focus and independent thinking.
- Experimentation and Exploration: Open-ended digital and hands-on experiences encourage curiosity and innovation.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Play-based learning naturally integrates challenges that help children develop critical thinking abilities.
A Future Built on Play
Technology isn’t going anywhere. The plain and simple fact is, it’s only going to progress and evolve from here. And as technology continues to evolve, so too should our approach to healthy and effective screentime and its role in early childhood development and education. By providing children with engaging, choice-driven, and creative learning experiences, we empower them to develop essential skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
In a world where screens are often viewed as distractions, it is important to recognize that not all technology, games, and experiences are created equal. Thoughtfully designed products can enhance, rather than hinder, early childhood development. When play, creativity, and technology intersect, the result is a learning environment where children thrive—curious, confident, and ready to explore the world around them.
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Brian Lovell is founder and CEO of game development studio Red Games Co., based in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Los Angeles, California, focused on creating fun, competitive, and family-friendly games. The studio creates original games that players of all ages and abilities can enjoy based on its own internal IP (intellectual property) as well as collaborations with longtime partners (including Hasbro and Crayola). Red Games Co.’s hit games and apps include LEGO® Brawls, Crayola Create and Play, Transformers Tactical Arena, Solitaire Stories, Super Mega Mini Party, and Bold Moves. “Our mission is to create games that multigenerational audiences love to play, friends and families can enjoy together, and parents can endorse,” says Brian. Connect with Brian on LinkedIn.
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