Research

AERO releases new resources on play and how children learn

Fiona Alston

May 08, 2025

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The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) has unveiled two insightful new resources aimed at deepening our understanding of how young children learn and the powerful role play can have in unlocking that potential.

As early childhood education and care professionals, learning is more than what meets the eye. AERO’s latest resources shine a light on the unseen processes that support children’s development and provide practical, evidence-based insights for educators.

Learning through play a global evidence snapshot

The first resource, Learning through Play, draws on global research to highlight how intentional, playful experiences can boost learning outcomes for children in the early years. More than just fun and games, play is shown to be a critical tool in developing cognitive, social, and emotional skills.

For children facing educational disadvantage, the benefits are even more profound. The paper emphasises that through play-based approaches, educators can create equitable learning environments that respond to each child’s needs, interests, and backgrounds, strengthening inclusion and engagement in meaningful ways.

The hidden layers of learning

The second resource, how children learn, takes educators on a deeper journey into the often unseen processes behind learning. Through four clear and accessible explainers, the resource unpacks:

How students absorb, retain, and apply knowledge
The science behind cognitive load and memory
The importance of prior knowledge
How emotional and social factors affect learning

Explore the resources here.

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