Teaching and Learning

Play-Based Learning

Our Strategic Plan in Action

Glastonbury Public Schools educators create exciting classroom environments where our youngest students can explore and learn. Play-based learning is tied directly to GOALS 1 and 2 of our strategic plan:  1) Promote active learning and high expectations for all students; 2) Provide safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments.

image with an icon of a teacher with 3 students and yellow stars with text that reads "Glastonbury Public Schools Play-Based Learning"

As they play, our youngest students learn about language, numbers, and colors. They also learn to manage information, get along with others, think flexibly, manage distractions, and regulate emotions. These are known as executive functioning skills. 

While playing, children practice accomplishing new things without fear. As Fred Rogers famously said, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”

Play-based learning isn’t the same as “free play” or a “free-for-all.” Instead, children follow classroom routines and rules as they enjoy imaginative and explorative play. Our play-based learning units are part of our science and social studies standards. Teachers carefully plan these play activities and regularly interact with students during their play. They offer ideas, ask questions, and give feedback. They also observe, document, and assess each child’s learning as they plan for the next steps in classroom meaningful play.

Please enjoy these photos of young learners hard at work!

photo of three young students playing pretend grocery store with a shopping cart, bags, and grocery items, smiling and laughing
photo of 4 students and a teacher in a classroom playing in two large bins filled with dirt and colorful gardening tools. Some are smiling into the camera.
photo of two students playing with construction made of found items like paper towel rolls

Example of Play Based Learning Activities