Early childhood education is increasingly embracing play-based, research-backed approaches that blend joyful exploration with foundational academic skills. California’s proposed clarification for ...

A third grade student sets the last domino down in a row along the edge of a table while playing in Crystal O’Brien’s classroom at Shidler Elementary School in Oklahoma City. Credit: Ariel ...

THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. — The Tumwater School District has implemented mandatory play-based learning across all kindergarten classrooms, requiring one hour of daily free play while maintaining ...

Teaching younger children through 'guided' play supports key aspects of their learning and development at least as well - and sometimes better - than the traditional direct instruction they usually ...

April 30, 2026 - Students at college campuses across California recover hundreds of pounds of unserved food from dining halls to serve to their hungry classmates. When Krystyna Kalishevskyi emigrated ...

Parents visiting their children’s kindergarten class for the first time may think they’ve arrived at the wrong room, especially if they expect it to resemble the kindergarten they attended as ...

Connecticut teachers want you to know that “play-based learning” is not an oxymoron. For years child development and education experts have praised the benefits of play-based learning — a pedagogy ...

The transition from preschool to school is a big deal for many children and parents. Over the next few weeks, many preschoolers will take part in a transition program, designed by their teachers, to ...

Across the U.S., educators and advocates are spotlighting play-based learning as a key driver of social and academic readiness, even as national reports reveal gaps in preschool quality and access.

Play is one of the most important parts of early childhood education in Australia. We know children learn about the world through play and it helps them build creativity and independence. There is ...

OKLAHOMA CITY — Two third-graders sat on the floor of their classroom and lined up a row of dominoes along the edge of a low-lying table. They positioned themselves at each end of the row of ...