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Blog - My Play Based Classroom

Hi there!

I'm Janelle - a play-based early years teacher passionate about creating learning experiences that ignite curiosity, creativity, and academic growth.

On this blog, I share practical tips on meeting curriculum benchmarks through a balance of explicit teaching and play, setting up the ideal learning environment and fostering social-emotional development.

Let’s make play-based teaching work in your your preschool, kindergarten, and first grade classrooms!

Explicit teaching
Investigations and play
Classroom Environment
Social and Emotional
The Teacher’s Role in Play-Based Learning: How to Observe and Scaffold Play
The Teacher’s Role in Play-Based Learning: How to Observe and Scaffold Play

Discover the teacher’s role in play-based learning. Learn how to observe, scaffold, co-play and use open-ended questions to deepen play and learning in the early years.

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InvestigationsJanelle McArdle27 April 2026teachers role, play based learningComment
Why Play-Based Learning Isn’t Working and How to Fix It
Why Play-Based Learning Isn’t Working and How to Fix It

Struggling with behaviour, transitions or chaos during play? Learn why play-based learning isn’t working and how to fix it with simple, structured strategies.

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InvestigationsJanelle McArdle20 April 2026play based learning, kindergarten, grade 1, first gradeComment
Planning for Play: Balancing Curriculum & Child-Led Learning
Planning for Play: Balancing Curriculum & Child-Led Learning

Find the balance between play-based exploration and meeting curriculum goals in your early years classroom. Learn how to plan for play with confidence and clarity.

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InvestigationsJanelle McArdle13 April 2026play based learning curriculum, planning, play based learningComment
Creating a Conducive Learning Environment in the Early Years
Creating a Conducive Learning Environment in the Early Years

Discover how to create a conducive learning environment that sparks curiosity, collaboration, and deep play in early years classrooms.

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Classroom EnvironmentJanelle McArdle31 March 2026learning environment, early years, kindergarten, preschool, grade 1, first gradeComment
Loose Parts Play Ideas for Early Childhood Learning
Loose Parts Play Ideas for Early Childhood Learning

Discover loose parts play ideas for early childhood classrooms including art, maths, literacy, science, sensory play, construction and outdoor play using open-ended materials. 

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InvestigationsJanelle McArdle23 March 2026loose parts, loose parts play, loose parts play ideasComment
The Role of Agency in Early Childhood Education
The Role of Agency in Early Childhood Education

Foster agency in early childhood education and discover how autonomy supports motivation and deeper engagement in the classroom.

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InvestigationsJanelle McArdle16 March 2026child led learning, agency in early childhood, play based learningComment
How Play Based Learning Supports Childrens Holistic Development
How Play Based Learning Supports Childrens Holistic Development

See how play-based learning develops children’s physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and creative skills in meaningful, joyful ways.

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InvestigationsJanelle McArdle2 March 2026play based learning, holistic developmentComment
The Research on Play Based Learning in Early Childhood
The Research on Play Based Learning in Early Childhood

Learn what the research says about play-based learning and why evidence shows it leads to stronger academic, social, physical, and cognitive development outcomes for children.

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InvestigationsJanelle McArdle16 February 2026play based learning, researchComment
Examples of Play-Based Learning: Symbolic Play in Action
Examples of Play-Based Learning: Symbolic Play in Action

Discover real examples of play-based learning and symbolic play that build literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking through active, creative, scaffolded play.

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InvestigationsJanelle McArdle3 February 2026play based learning, symbolic playComment
What is Play-Based Learning? A Guide for Early Years Teachers
What is Play-Based Learning? A Guide for Early Years Teachers

Discover what play-based learning is, why it works, and how to use it in early years classrooms. Benefits, examples, and a free teacher guide included.

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Investigations, Explicit Teaching, Classroom Environment, Social and EmotionalJanelle McArdle19 January 2026play based learning, early years, investigations, play based classroom, play based learning environment, play based learning curriculumComment
Implementing a Play Based Learning Curriculum that Works
Implementing a Play Based Learning Curriculum that Works

Discover how to build a play based learning curriculum that balances play and academic benchmarks with practical tips, classroom examples, and teacher strategies.

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InvestigationsJanelle McArdle5 January 2026play based learning, play based learning curriculumComment
F to 2 Australian Curriculum English V9.0 Explained
F to 2 Australian Curriculum English V9.0 Explained

Discover how to teach F–2 Australian Curriculum English with confidence. Clear guidance, practical examples, and resources to support student learning.

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Janelle McArdle1 December 2025literacy, english curriculum, Australian curriculum, foundation stage, grade 1, grade 2, ACARAComment
F to 2 Australian Curriculum Maths V9.0 Explained 
F to 2 Australian Curriculum Maths V9.0 Explained 

Discover how to teach Australian Curriculum Maths F–2 with clear aims, six strands explained, and play-based strategies that save you prep time.

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Explicit TeachingJanelle McArdle17 November 2025maths, Australian curriculum, ACARAComment
Effective Strategies for Teaching Acara Foundation Stage in the Classroom
Effective Strategies for Teaching Acara Foundation Stage in the Classroom

Discover effective strategies for teaching the Acara Foundation Stage through play-based learning, differentiation, and authentic assessment.

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Investigations, Explicit Teaching, Classroom Environment, Social and EmotionalJanelle McArdle10 November 2025foundation stage, ACARA, play based classroom, play based learningComment
Growth Mindset for Kids: A Teacher’s Guide
Growth Mindset for Kids: A Teacher’s Guide

Discover how to teach a growth mindset for kids with practical strategies, activities, and resources to build resilience, confidence, and persistence.

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Social and EmotionalJanelle McArdle20 October 2025growth mindset, kindergarten, preschool, SEL Comment
Child-led Learning Provocations that Follow Childrens Interests
Child-led Learning Provocations that Follow Childrens Interests

Discover how to use child-led learning provocations based on children's interests to boost engagement and meet curriculum goals in your play-based classroom. Includes examples, tips, and a free observation checklist!

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InvestigationsJanelle McArdle13 October 2025child led, child-led, learning invitation, learning provocation, provocations, childrens interests Comment
5 Easy Ways to Foster a Growth Mindset in Children
5 Easy Ways to Foster a Growth Mindset in Children

Help young children develop a growth mindset with these five practical strategies that build resilience, confidence, and a love of learning. Includes teacher tips, classroom ideas, and resources to support your students.

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Social and EmotionalJanelle McArdle29 September 2025growth mindset, SEL Comment
How to Make a Weighted Baby Doll for Dramatic Play
How to Make a Weighted Baby Doll for Dramatic Play

Looking for an easy way to make a weighted baby doll for your dramatic play space? Discover how this simple DIY can teach measurement and enhance play-based learning in early years classrooms.

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InvestigationsJanelle McArdle24 July 2025weighted baby doll, dramatic play, measurement, tutorial, diyComment
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janelle is a play based early years teacher
 

I’m Janelle and I’m here to help you implement an engaging, play based curriculum

that STILL has your children meeting academic standards and benchmarks!

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