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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Discover Play-based Learning Strategies for Prep or Foundation Stage
Discover essential play-based learning strategies for Prep or Foundation stage classrooms. Learn how to foster curiosity, meet curriculum goals, and create engaging play-rich environments with my tips and free guide.
My Play Based Kindergarten Daily Schedule
Discover how to create a balanced kindergarten daily schedule that combines play-based learning with explicit teaching. Get tips, practical ideas, and a free editable planning template to keep your students engaged and meeting curriculum goals!
Benefits of Play Based Learning in Early Education
Discover the numerous benefits of play-based learning in early education and the important role it plays in children’s social, emotional, physical, and academic development. This comprehensive blog post uses recent research to show why this is the most effective way to teach young children.
How to Be a Successful Play-Based Kindergarten Teacher
Learn the essential traits of a successful play-based kindergarten teacher. This guide offers practical advice and ideas for teachers to successfully implement a play-based learning pedagogy.
9 Tactile Learning Activities for the Kindergarten Classroom
Understand precisely what tactile learning is and discover how you can use this learning style in kindergarten to boost student engagement and effectively teach your curriculum learning intentions.
Benefit of Block Play in Preschool and Beyond
Discover all the wonderful benefits of block play in this blog post. From cognitive development to essential life skills, block play is a must-have activity in early childhood education.
Playdough Activities for Kindergarten Sensory Maths Play
This blog post is a comprehensive guide on playdough activities for kindergarten focusing on sensory maths play. Find out my 10 favourite playdough math activities and discover some invaluable playdough resources for your kindergarten classroom.
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.