In an era where academic performance often overshadows the broader dimensions of child development, Idowu Adekanbi, a child development specialist and child education advocate, is championing a return to the basics: nurturing environments that support children’s physical and social growth.

Drawing from years of research and fieldwork, Adekanbi emphasizes that both home and school must function as complementary ecosystems to foster well-rounded development in early childhood.

Drawing on her 2018 study, Preschool Teachers’ Perception of the Significance of Play in Child’s Development, Adekanbi explains that while many educators recognize the value of play, structural limitations often constrain its application in classrooms. “Play is foundational, not supplementary,” she asserts. “It is how children explore relationships, regulate their emotions, and develop empathy.”

Many foundational theorists, such as Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky, recognize play as a crucial mechanism for learning. Adekanbi’s research adds a practical, grounded dimension by exploring how teachers interpret and implement these ideas in real-world classrooms. This bridges the gap between theory and practice in a way that is both timely and necessary.

Her advocacy aligns with a growing body of research that calls for movement-based and play-centered learning. She explained that physical activity is not only essential for motor development but also enhances cognitive function and social skills.

“When children are allowed to move, they learn to collaborate, negotiate, and solve problems, skills that are foundational for lifelong success,” she noted. Her work also highlights the role of parents and caregivers in reinforcing these values at home. “The home is a child’s first classroom,” she said. “When parents engage in meaningful play and model positive social behaviors, they lay the groundwork for emotional intelligence and self-regulation.” She believes that child development is shaped by the interplay of environment, culture, and adult facilitation.

She calls on educators and education stakeholders to develop training modules that equip teachers with practical strategies for integrating play and movement into daily routines. She believes that with proper support, schools can become spaces where children not only learn but also flourish.

As Nigeria and other nations struggle with educational reforms, voices like Adekanbi’s offer a timely reminder: nurturing the whole child requires more than textbooks and tests; it demands environments that honor the joy, curiosity, and complexity of childhood.