The demands on today’s teachers have made teaching less sustainable. Class sizes and student needs increase, while support dwindles, With the pressure to raise test scores and a scarcity of time, many educators report feeling overwhelmed and considering leaving the profession.
Play-based learning returns autonomy to teachers, allowing them to address student needs, interests, developmental abilities while still covering the curriculum.
Instead of bored students sitting passively in rows of desks, classrooms are abuzz with inquiry and discovery. Children collaborate, learn from trial and error, and develop deeper understanding of curriculum. All of this builds confident and joyful learners–and joyful, fulfilled teachers.
Children gain opportunities to practice self-regulation and social skills in authentic situations. As students learn from one another, collaborate and problem solve, they develop a stronger sense of belonging. With improved SEL skills and learning that makes sense, students are happier and more engaged—and less disruptive. 1, 2
When lessons are aligned with how children naturally learn, education becomes sustainable for students and teachers alike. Learning that is interesting and relevant to students sets the stage for knowledge and skills to stick–and for students to want to engage with school. This leads to higher job satisfaction and decreased burnout rates. 3
Teachers are recognized as qualified professionals, not script followers. Trusting teachers to develop standards-aligned practices based on student needs, understanding and interests sets students up for success. When this is combined with professional development and school support, we are also setting teachers up for success.
With the flexibility to be creative in steering curriculum and activities to meet student interests, learning becomes relevant, engaging and fun. Real-world learning allows for multiple subjects to be woven together in ways that inspire students and teachers.
When students feel that there needs are met and they are being heard by their teachers and peers the classroom becomes a safe place to learn. Play-based learning builds stronger ties between teachers and students through collaboration and cooperation.
Concern: “I’m worried about students performance on standardized tests.”
Reality:Play-based learners consistently outperform peers on standardized assessments because they are learning in active, engaged and meaningful ways that allow them to understand concepts deeply, rather than memorizing procedures. 4, 5
Real School Results: Schools implementing play-based approaches report improved test scores alongside better attendance and behavior.
Concern: “This Seems Like More Work”
Reality: Once established, play-based learning doesn’t require more prep time than traditional approaches—and often brings more satisfaction and professional fulfillment.
Initial Investment: Like any pedagogical shift, play-based learning requires upfront professional development.
Long-term Efficiency: Once established, preparing for and assessing children learning through a play-based approach doesn’t take more time out of your day, and teachers often find that they can end each day with a better idea of student understanding and instructional needs because learning is student-driven and more interactive.
Sustainable Practice: Our brains are wired to learn through play and teaching in a manner that goes with children’s natural learning tendencies, is ultimately more beneficial and effective than asking students to learn in ways that are not developmentally appropriate.
Concern: “If kids are moving around and talking all day, won’t administrators think I have poor classroom management skills?”
Reality: Play-based learning creates better classroom management, not chaos—clear structures and engaged students lead to less disruptive behavior.
Structure, Not Free-for-All: Play-based teaching requires laying the groundwork for classroom rules and expectations, just as any other classroom would. With clear expectations, students feel part of a community and stay more engaged with their learning.
Natural Cooperation: Students who are actively engaged and interested in what they are learning are less likely to have disruptive behavioral issues. 4,6
Play-based learning doesn’t just benefit students, it’s an effective pathway for teachers to: