Getting Started with Play-Based Learning

Ready to bring play into your school?
If you're curious about play-based learning but not sure where to begin, you're in the right place. Think of this page as your starting map. From classroom setup to parent communication, we'll point you to the resources that make implementation easier.
Teacher working with female high school student on robotics project

How to Get Started

Six practical steps to help you begin putting play-based learning into practice.

Understand the Basics

In play-based learning, students engage with the curriculum in active, meaningful and social ways. The teacher very intentionally sets rigorous goals but allows student curiosity and interests to drive the learning.
About Play

Plan Your First Moves

You don’t have to transform your classroom overnight. Start small by adding open-ended materials, posing essential questions, or integrating playful inquiry into one subject area.
Implementation Guide

Set Up Your Space

Your classroom environment sets the tone for learning. Desks, walls, and even corners can be reimagined to support collaboration, inquiry, and exploration.
Materials Guide

Use Essential Questions

Essential questions spark curiosity and connect learning across subjects. They help students dig deeper and see how knowledge fits together.
Essential Questions

Bring Families Along

Parents may hear the word “play” and worry that their child isn’t learning. Help them understand how and why play-based learning is a rigorous way of meeting standards while keeping children interested and engaged.
Talking to Parents

Reflect and Grow

Play-based learning thrives when teachers are supported and have the time to adapt and reflect through collaboration with colleagues. Seeing students succeed because learning makes sense leads to meaningful impacts and professional fulfillment.
Teacher Benefits

Starting Points

Whether you’re brand new, ready to implement, or building school-wide support, these resources can guide your next steps.