The Difference Between Structured And Unstructured Play

Play is vital to a child’s learning, development, confidence and wellbeing. Variety in play is important because it helps with all areas of children’s development, and the way a child plays will change over time.

Unstructured, free play is unplanned play that just happens, depending on what takes your child’s interest at the time. Unstructured, free play is particularly important for younger children because it lets them use their imagination and move at their own pace.

Examples of unstructured play might be:

• creative play alone or with others

• imaginative games

• exploring new or favourite spaces like cupboards, backyards, parks, playgrounds and play centres

Sometimes all a parent will need to do is point their child in the right direction – towards the jumble of dress-ups and toys on their floor, or to the table with crayons and paper. At other times, you might need to be a bit more active. For example, ‘How about we play dress-ups? What do you want to be today?’

Structured play is organised and happens at a fixed time or in a set space. It’s often led by a grown-up. Older children are more likely to enjoy and benefit from structured play.

Examples of structured play include:

• outdoor ball games like kicking a soccer ball

• swimming lessons

• storytelling groups at the local library

• dance, music or drama classes

• family board or card games

• After school sport

Whether play is structured or unstructured, indoors or outdoors, play can give your child the chance to explore, be active, test physical limits and get messy.

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