A study by the University of Koblenz and Schleich has shown: free play gives children important skills for the future

Free play without boundaries and instructions is a natural and basic need shared by all children, and it contributes to their development in many ways. In free play, the horse might take off and fly while the lion hosts a tea party on the rug – the sky is the limit. A recent study by Schleich and the University of Koblenz has revealed that 84% of parents would like their children to spend most of their playtime engaged in free play. According to more than 4,000 respondents, free play teaches them important skills such as creativity, problem-solving and self-confidence. The parents who participated in the study deemed characters by the schleich® brand especially suitable for free play: 75% of children use them (very) frequently in their free play. As many as 89% of parents emphasised the positive impact which schleich® toys had had on their children’s creativity and imagination.

Munich, 10 April 2024 – Can a Tyrannosaurus Rex and a Lionhead Rabbit be best friends? Can the Parrot go for a swim while the Unicorn works on the building site? A glimpse into the boundless imagination of children shows that absolutely anything is possible. “Free play supports children’s development and teaches them important skills for their future, such as creativity, problem-solving and self-confidence”, explained Wiebke Waburg, Professor of Pedagogy at the University of Koblenz. “Parents agree with this. Our study has shown that 97% of parents firmly believe that free play strengthens their children’s imagination and creativity. As many as 91% also believe that it fosters their ability to develop ideas independently.” Parents further assume that during free play, children learn to keep themselves occupied (89%), trust in their own abilities (78%) and empathise with others (74%).

The toy manufacturer Schleich wishes to encourage this important form of play. Its detailed figurines inspire countless ideas and stories. “The educational value of schleich® figurines lies in their ability to spark free play, thus making a positive contribution to children’s development. In the study, 89% of parents agreed that schleich®toys boosts their children’s imagination. That is very important to us – it is the foundation of our brand”, explained Stefan De Loecker, CEO Schleich GmbH.

No time for free play
Even though free play is crucial, children have limited time for it. Their day-to-day runs on a tight schedule of nursery or school, structured hobbies and doctor‘s appointments. In a typical week, only 25% of children have more than three hours a day available for free play. Their parents remember that things used to be different: 65% of mothers and fathers say that they had more free time in childhood. Especially as children start primary school, their time for free play shrinks. It is well worth setting aside free time for this form of play, as there are enormous positive effects.

First the toy, then the idea – animals and nature are popular choices
A child’s eyes curiously scan the room, spotting the schleich® Polar Bear. Perfect – he is going to be the main character. What exactly he will be doing remains to be seen. Perhaps, he will take the building block to the duvet for a round of surfing or have a nap with the doll. Most stories are inspired by whatever happens to be available. This was confirmed by 69% of parents.

The type of toy is essential in this. Toys that encourage creativity allow children to unleash their imagination and come up with unlimited ideas for free play. This involves a wide range of themes. Animals and nature (77%) are the most popular topic with boys and girls alike. Family topics (60%) and everyday situations (52%) are often used, too. Stories about vehicles and technology (39%) and fictional topics (38%) are slightly less common.

schleich® figurines foster imagination
Parents firmly believe that their children’s free play benefits from schleich® toys, such as the Donkey, Gorilla or Rainbow Unicorn. Three quarters (75%) of children use them frequently or very frequently during free play, and 89% of parents state that schleich® toys fosters their sons’ and daughters’ imagination. It makes no difference whether the figurines are realistic animals or imaginary creatures. No matter what creative ideas are brewing in the playroom, time for free play is precious, and the figurines by schleich® make perfect protagonists for all sorts of colourful and imaginative stories.