1. Playing means understanding the world

Through play, children explore the world and literally "grasp" it. By touching, trying, and exploring things, they develop an understanding of their environment. Playing is a natural learning process where children discover connections, understand cause and effect, and build basic motor and cognitive skills. It is the foundation for independent learning and a deeper understanding of the world.

2. Playing means being in motion

Movement is a fundamental principle of life. It helps children develop a positive self-image and promotes important motor, emotional, social, and cognitive learning experiences. Insights from brain research show that brain connections form more sustainably and effectively when sensory stimuli and movement interact (cf. Renate Zimmer 2013, p. 43).

3. Playing is learning

According to the well-known free education expert André Stern, a child makes no distinction between learning and playing. Playing and learning are inseparable terms and for the child, an organic unity. For adults, learning and school are a unit, they tend to degrade play, yet play is the source of meaningful and future joyful learning.

4. Playing is an expression of one's own personality

In play, the child shows its uniqueness and actively shapes its environment. It discovers its abilities and learns: "I can make a difference." This feeling of influencing through one's own actions strengthens self-esteem and self-confidence. In play, the child can live out its creativity, strengths, and preferences and strives for its own experiences, which it further develops. By seeking and mastering challenges, it grows within itself.

5. Playing is a gateway to the emotional world

In play, children can freely express all their feelings – whether anger, fear, joy, or sadness. Playing allows them to experience and process intense emotions in a safe way. Often, the world is confusing and complex for children, and "replaying" experiences helps them understand what happened and find their own explanations. Thus, play becomes an important bridge to their own emotional world and promotes emotional development by creating space for self-reflection and emotional learning.

6. Playing unfolds potentials

Playing is a way to discover and develop one's own abilities and creative impulses. It promotes creativity by allowing new solutions to be tried and spontaneous actions to be taken. Even “failure” is part of it – in play, it is not a failure, but an opportunity to try differently. This strengthens the courage to improvise, and one learns to know one's own limits and to expand them playfully.

7. Playing thrives on rituals and repetitions

Playing builds on rituals and repeated processes that create orientation and familiarity. These repetitions deepen the gaming experience and provide a certain security that allows new elements to be added or rules to be varied. Rituals strengthen the sense of community and make it easier to get into the game, as familiar patterns can be quickly absorbed and further developed.

8. Playing makes you happy and regulates stress

Playing releases endorphins that trigger feelings of happiness and regulate stress. Especially in the “flow” state – when one is fully immersed in the game – everyday life fades away. This results in complete concentration on the here and now and intense relaxation. This state is often associated with well-being and promotes deep recovery. Therefore, free play contributes to self-regulation.

9. Playing connects

Playing is a universal language that brings people together regardless of age, origin, or language. In playing, shared experiences, creativity, and joy count. It creates a space where people of different cultures and generations can interact on an equal footing. Thus, playing promotes understanding, strengthens social bonds, and builds bridges between the most diverse people. Therefore, playing together is a powerful key to sustainably strengthening the bond between parent and child.

10. Playing is a child's right

The United Nations recognizes play as a fundamental right for children because it is crucial for their development and well-being. Through play, children learn to express themselves, develop social skills, and discover the world. It promotes their physical, emotional, and mental health. Granting children the right to free play means giving them space for development and growth.

Movement. Play. Development – with Stapelstein®

At Stapelstein®, we believe in the power of free active play. Our versatile elements – from Stapelstein® Original and Inside to Mini to Board and Grow – invite children to discover the world in a versatile way. Whether balancing, stacking, rolling, or jumping: We are convinced – free play is essential for children, and we adults can also discover new things and grow beyond ourselves.