Play-Based Learning Prepares Preschoolers for Success

In the formative years of a child’s life, play is far more than just a pastime—it’s a powerful tool for learning. At the Ocean View School District, we understand that play-based learning taps into children’s natural curiosity, providing them with opportunities to explore the world in engaging and educational ways. Our preschool programs, offered at College View, Oak View, and Westmont, are grounded in the belief that learning through play is the cornerstone of early childhood development.

Research shows that young children learn best when they are actively engaged in hands-on experiences. Through play, they develop essential skills in problem-solving, language, creativity, and social interaction. Whether they are using fine motor skills, practicing hand-eye coordination, or developing pre-writing skills and imagination, children benefit from activities that engage their senses.

Classroom teachers plan activities such as using playdough, lacing cards, practicing the pincer grasp, cutting, buttoning, working with stickers, solving puzzles, or simply drawing with a variety of coloring tools. In our preschools, children are constantly learning by exploring the different areas of the classroom. Teachers embed these activities throughout the day, ensuring that each child has plenty of opportunities to grasp fundamental concepts in a way that resonates with them, while learning through their senses.

Through playful experimentation, children are encouraged to test their ideas and make discoveries—processes that foster both cognitive and emotional growth. This approach not only builds foundational academic skills like literacy and numeracy, but also helps with critical thinking, collaboration, and self-regulation. The District’s play-based curriculum helps children develop academic, social, and emotional tools, setting them up for lifelong success. By integrating joy and discovery into their daily learning, we inspire confidence, nurture creativity, and foster a love of learning that will last far beyond preschool.

If you are interested in our preschool program, please contact (714) 843-6938 or visit ovsd.org.