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 classroom reporter role is a key element of the Walker Learning Approach. Find out what a classroom reporter does and why you need one in your classroom. Discover how to implement the child reporter role and download free resources to help you.
Read MoreFind out how to effectively teach the early childhood science curriculum in just 40min a week. The children in my class reach curriculum benchmarks easily. In fact, they learn so much more than the mandated curriculum.
Read MoreThere are many wonderful children’s books to inspire and provoke creativity in a classroom Maker Space. Discover five of our must-have picture books for your creative learning provocations.
Read MoreLooking for engaging Easter math activities for your kindergarten or preschool classroom? These hands-on, play-based learning invitations will keep students focused and learning while exploring counting, sorting, estimation, measurement, and more. Plus, grab the Easter Maths Investigations Pack for an easy, print-and-go setup!
Read MoreFollow these detailed steps to set up your own hands-on Makerspace, Collage Area, Creation Station or Box Construction learning area in your early years learning environment.
This investigation area is an essential part of any play-based classroom.
Read MoreFeeling overwhelmed planning for your first week of kindergarten? Discover my proven tips and download my real-life planning to help you start the Foundation Stage school year with confidence!
Read MoreFollow 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.
Read MoreThe tuning-in session is an important part of the play-based classroom's daily morning routine. It is a 15 to 20 minute designated time used to focus on the current learning intentions, build relationships with the focus children, set photographer and reporter tasks and also model and scaffold desired learning outcomes.
Read MoreDiscover 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.
Read MoreA classroom photographer child is an important role from the Walker Learning Approach. Discover how having a child as a photographer can enhance learning, engagement, and documentation.
Read MoreCreate a purposeful and engaging tinkering space in your early years classroom with this practical guide. Learn what a tinkering space is, how to set one up, and why it supports STEM, problem-solving, and creativity in young children.
Read More
