Welcome to My Play Based Classroom Blog
Hi there!
I'm Janelle - a play-based early years teacher who is super passionate about creating learning experiences that boost curiosity, creativity, and academic growth.
On this blog, I share practical tips for meeting curriculum benchmarks through a balance of explicit teaching and play, setting up the ideal learning environment and fostering social-emotional development.
So, let’s make play-based teaching work in your preschool, kindergarten, or first-grade classroom!
Inspiring Preschool Classroom Quotes for Teachers
Discover the power of preschool classroom quotes to inspire and motivate both teachers and students. Learn creative ways to display and use these quotes to transform your classroom environment and download my free set of printable quotes to get started today!
Creating an Effective Play Based Learning Environment
Wondering how to create an effective play based learning environment? In this blog post you’ll discover how to create a learning environment that enhances student engagement and promotes academic success. Explore seven proven strategies that will help you transform your classroom into an effective and inspiring space for learning.
Reggio Classroom Ideas for Reggio Inspired Classrooms
Are you a kindergarten teacher looking to create a Reggio-inspired classroom? Discover my 25 Reggio classroom ideas to nurture a child-led, collaborative, and nature-inspired learning environment. Get ideas to set up an environment as the third teacher and foster imagination and curiosity in your students.
Stages of Block Play
Discover the 7 stages of block play and the influences these stages can have to the design of your learning environment. BONUS FREE Block Play Stages pdf to download and print.
Environment as the Third Teacher
Are you interested in transforming your learning environment into the third teacher? Read this blog post for tips and ideas on how you can get the third teacher working for you.
72 Inspirational Learning Through Play Quotes
Looking for inspirational learning through play quotes? Want some beautiful motivating sayings to display in your classroom or throughout your planning documents? Download a set to use in your classroom today.
3 Steps to Setting Up Learning Provocations for Play based Learning
Follow these 3 easy steps to set up an engaging and educational learning provocation. Learn how to create intentional, engaging spaces that focus on the curriculum and children’s developmental needs.
What is a Learning Provocation?
Discover what a learning provocation is and how to use it in your play-based classroom. Learn the difference between a learning invitation and a learning provocation, with real examples, tips, and strategies to spark curiosity and support curriculum goals.
The 10 Essential Areas of A Play Based Classroom
Ready to transform your classroom for play-based learning? This detailed blog post outlines the 10 essential areas you need to create engaging and educational spaces for your students to learn through play.
Open-ended Questions Promote Higher Order Thinking
Find out how open-ended questions for kids can foster higher order thinking. Discover practical tips, sample questions, and how to use these powerful tools to boost critical thinking and student confidence in your classroom.
Cozy Classroom Reading Area Ideas Students Will Love
Looking for classroom reading corner ideas? Transform your classroom reading area into a cozy, inviting space your students love and discover my budget-friendly tips and ideas to create a nook that fosters reading and self-regulation too.
Creating a Calm and Peaceful Classroom Learning Environment
Discover how to create a peaceful learning environment in your classroom with calming routines, mindful spaces, and practical resources. Reduce sensory overload, foster emotional growth, and promote student focus with my social and emotional learning tools and transform your classroom into a safe, calm space where students thrive.