In a sunlit classroom in rural Kenya, the laughter of children echoes off the walls. Not the nervous giggles of a child unsure of an answer, but the full-throated joy of a game well played. At first glance, it might seem like recess has come early. But this is no ordinary playtime. This is learning – Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) style. As the world celebrates the International Day of Play, the global spotlight turns to the right of every child to play. For Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) Africa, play is not just a right, it is a lifeline. And in schools like Kyalilini Primary, it is redefining what it means to learn.
In one of Alfred Kioko’s classes, children form a circle and clap as they count. The activities might seem lighthearted, but they are carefully crafted to build foundational literacy and numeracy skills. “Before TaRL, many of our learners were shy and afraid to answer questions,” says Alfred, a teaching and mentoring fellow with TaRL Africa. “Now, they are more confident. They participate. They know learning can be fun.” He smiles as he watches the children play the number wheel game that helps teach place value in numeracy. “When children enjoy learning, they learn faster and remember more.”
Bright Kawisya, a grade five learner, shares how she enjoys TaRL numeracy classes and how some of the activities have helped her master concepts that were initially challenging. “In the TaRL class I like addition using play money activities. This activity helps me understand the concept better and I am able to add and subtract any problem.” Her classmate Jackson Muema chimes in with a grin, “I like the number wheel game the most! I love mathematics and when I grow up I would like to become an engineer.”
For Jackson and Bright, learning is not about memorization or silent drills. It has become about songs, clapping rhythms, and storytelling circles. These playful methods are part of TaRL’s proven model to support children who are behind in basic reading and arithmetic.
In 2024, the UN General Assembly recognized every child’s right to play, affirming what educators and researchers have known for years: play is not a distraction from learning, it’s a driver of it. TaRL’s approach embodies this philosophy. It not only respects children’s rights, but also restores their confidence and curiosity.
As delegations gather for the 2025 IDOP celebrations at the UN, TaRL Africa stands proudly among the voices calling for practical, scalable solutions that put children first. With the support of local governments, dedicated teachers, and TaRL Africa and its partners across the continent, play-based learning is becoming a cornerstone in the early grades.
This International Day of Play, we join the call to action: let play be the heartbeat of learning.
We are grateful to the dedicated partners across Africa and beyond who continue to champion play-based learning through the TaRL approach. Our heartfelt thanks to: Pratham International, VVOB, Young African Refugees for Integral Development (YARID), Building Tomorrow, UNICEF, DG Murray Trust, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Youth Impact, Street Child, Imagine One Day, and Grassroots Nest for Innovation and Change (GRIC).
📽️ Watch how we are doing it in Kitui: https://youtu.be/A0n1QKvmKG4
