4 minute read
— Innovation — Kindergarten reimagined: The power of play-based learning
In Cabarrus County, 14 elementary schools are transforming kindergarten education by embracing a play-based learning approach. Instead of traditional rows of desks and worksheets, these classrooms buzz with energy as students pretend to run stores, wrap gifts, and engineer creative designs. Educators like Jennifer Petersen from Coltrane-Webb STEM Elementary and Franchesska Knight from R. Brown McAllister STEM Elementary are leading the way, showing how play can be a powerful tool for learning.
Play-based learning combines structured play with intentional teaching, allowing children to learn by exploring and discovering. Franchesska describes it as teamwork between teacher and student. “Play is the work of the young child, and structured playbased learning is the work of the young child coupled with the work of the teacher,” she says.
Play-based learning is gaining recognition as a powerful method for early childhood education, with research showing its academic and developmental benefits. Teachers like Jennifer and Franchesska use structured and guided play to help students build important skills, including problem-solving, managing emotions, and flexible thinking. Studies show that guided play can outperform traditional teaching methods for young children, especially in areas like math, creativity, and the ability to switch tasks.
Jennifer highlights its benefits for kindergartners: “It allows students to develop critical skills like problem-solving, communication, and creativity in a natural and engaging way.” This approach doesn’t just make learning fun; it aligns with how young children grow and thrive.
"Before play-based learning, it could take some children several weeks to learn a concept. With play-based learning, many concepts are learned within a few days of discovery, exploration, and play!”--
For example, research from the University of Cambridge found that combining academic goals with fun, playful activities creates the perfect mix of focus and learning. Schools that use guided play often see students who are more engaged, motivated, and ready for long-term success.
In these classrooms, every activity is carefully designed to meet learning standards while engaging students. For example, Jennifer's students practice geometry by wrapping “gifts” in different 3D shapes, learning fine motor skills, and socializing while pretending to exchange presents. Franchesska plans centers where children can sort shapes, role-play in a grocery store, or explore STEM challenges.
“It’s about knowing the ‘what’ that needs to be taught and the ‘how’ to meet each student’s needs,” Franchesska explains.
Play-based learning teaches skills that go beyond academics. Jennifer recalls how her class learned number combinations through a selfmade bowling alley.
“Through play, students learn faster and make deeper connections,” she says.
Play-based learning combines structured play with intentional teaching, allowing children to learn by exploring and discovering.
Franchesska adds that play fosters social growth. “It allows students to problem-solve, resolve conflicts, and manage feelings in a safe environment,” she says. Her classroom operates like a family, with students working together, cheering each other on, and solving problems as a team.
Both teachers share stories of students thriving through play. Jennifer remembers two advanced learners who initially struggled with creative play. Through engineering challenges, like designing a ball return for a bowling game, these students found their place as classroom leaders.
Franchesska shares about a student with limited verbal skills who joined her class for playtime. Over time, the child began interacting and speaking in small sentences. “The students have welcomed him as part of our classroom family,” she says.
Parents have embraced play-based learning, often replicating activities at home or donating supplies for classroom centers.
Technology also enhances these lessons. Jennifer's students use iPads to research topics like ice-skating for dramatic play or to create commercials for classroom projects. “Technology is a tool for learning and development,” Jennifer says.
The biggest hurdles for teachers are time and planning. “Play-based learning looks like just playing at first glance, but it’s the most strategically planned part of my day,” Jennifer said.
Assessment is also different in these classrooms. Instead of tests, teachers observe interactions, collect work samples, and listen to conversations. “It’s a safe, natural way to assess progress,” Jennifer explains.
The success of play-based learning in Cabarrus County Schools is reshaping kindergarten education. By merging curriculum standards with the joy of discovery, teachers like Jennifer and Franchesska are nurturing well-rounded, confident learners.
Play-based learning is currently utilized in 14 different CCS elementary schools. This approach will expand to all 19 schools with kindergarten for the 2025-26 school year.
