Learning Through Play: Psychologists’ Top Advice for Parents of Struggling Learners

Why Play Isn't Just for Recess

If your child dreads homework, melts down over math, or seems lost in a sea of school stress, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. The truth? Learning doesn’t need to feel like an uphill battle. According to many child psychologists and educational experts, one of the most powerful tools you have at home is something wonderfully simple: play.

But let’s be honest—when your child is behind in reading, or your evenings are filled with arguments over worksheets, playing might feel like the opposite of what’s needed. And yet, introducing play into your child’s learning process can reignite curiosity, reduce anxiety, and offer a new way in. Not because it avoids the hard stuff, but because it transforms it.

What the Experts Say About the Power of Play

Child psychologist Dr. Claire Montel, who works with school-aged kids struggling with academic motivation, often reminds parents: “When children play, they engage in the kind of trial-and-error thinking that’s required for real learning. They explore, make mistakes, try again—but without the pressure to get it right the first time.”

Play builds confidence where school sometimes chips away at it. And when kids start to believe they’re capable, they’re more willing to attempt that tricky word problem or read a paragraph twice. Psychologist-approved learning doesn’t mean turning your living room into a mini school. It means noticing how your child learns best—and adapting the method, not just repeating the message.

Turning Resistance Into Engagement

Let me tell you about Jason, a bright—and very energetic—8-year-old I met last year. His parents were at their wit’s end. Reading assignments ended in tears. Jason insisted he “hated school.” But when we explored his interests, a new window opened. He loved mystery stories. So we created a nightly “detective mission,” turning vocabulary words into clues, and comprehension questions into challenges only a junior sleuth could solve. In a few weeks, reading wasn’t the enemy—it was the way into an imaginary world he loved.

Psychologists emphasize that emotional connection is key. If your child already feels defeated by schoolwork, no amount of worksheets will rebuild their willingness. But storytelling, role-play, creative games? That’s the language of children. Especially for ages 6 to 12, when imagination is still in full bloom.

That’s also why tools that tap into narrative learning can be so effective. Some parents have had success with digital tools that turn lessons into audio adventures where their child becomes the main character—literally hearing their own name woven into a story that reinforces school concepts. The Skuli App, for example, offers exactly this kind of personalized audio experience, helping reluctant learners feel like brave explorers rather than overwhelmed students.

Simple Strategies to Get Started Today

Integrating play doesn’t mean inventing elaborate setups or buying a ton of toys. It means being intentional about how everyday moments can become learning moments in disguise. Here’s how you can start small:

• Turn chores into math games: Ask your child to divide socks by size, tally how many forks you'll need for dinner guests, or estimate how long a recipe step will take.
• Invent stories around what they're learning: If they're studying the solar system, create a bedtime story where your child travels with a robot to find a lost satellite.
• Use movement for memory: Turn spelling words into dance steps or math facts into a scavenger hunt around the house. Physical activity helps encode memory—and tires them out in a good way.

You can also explore some teacher-approved playful learning strategies that have been shown to genuinely improve engagement without sacrificing structure.

Over time, you’ll start to notice what sparks your child’s energy. Do they love competition? Try mini family quizzes. Can they recite movie quotes but not multiplication tables? Maybe they’re an auditory learner—perfect for turning lessons into audio clips they can listen to on a car ride or while relaxing. This approach is explored further in our article on how to make learning fun in just 30 minutes a day.

Tuning Into Their Learning Style

Children don't all learn the same way—and that’s not a flaw, it’s a clue. While one child might thrive by writing things down, another might light up when they hear a funny story or when they get to build something with their hands. Helping your child discover how they learn—not just what they need to learn—is a long-term gift.

If you're not sure where to begin, start by paying attention. When does your child lose track of time? What kinds of toys or games keep them focused? Noticing these patterns can guide the way you tailor homework support. For example, if your child loves puzzles, turning a photo of their lesson into a quiz with 20 personalized questions—as some educational apps offer—lets them approach school material with the same mindset they’d bring to a game.

Start Small, Notice Big Change

No need to revamp your entire routine overnight. Maybe tonight, instead of battling over homework, you let them quiz you instead. Or invent a silly challenge: Can you both speak in pirate for the next five minutes and work on spelling words at the same time? Tomorrow, perhaps you try one of these fun and effective study routines. The point isn't to add one more thing to your to-do list—it’s to soften the tension around learning and bring curiosity back to the surface.

And if you're looking for more ways to combine fun and education on busy afternoons, you might enjoy our guide on educational after-school activities that can be done at home with little prep.

Your Role Is the Most Important Piece

Above all, remember this: You are your child’s safe place. If school feels hard, your home doesn’t have to. When you welcome learning with patience and imagination, you’re not just helping your child catch up—you’re helping them fall in love with learning again.

That spark you’re looking for? It's still there. And through play, through presence, and yes—with the right tools—it can shine again.