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- A public elementary school in New Haven
- Public magnet schools in Bridgeport and New Haven
- An IB public school in Middletown
- An independent school in Bridgeport committed to bringing education equity to underserved families
Play-Based Learning Documentary
Based in Play
See real classrooms using play to meet standards, build executive function, and increase engagement.
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About the Film
After a professional development workshop, Co-Producer and Co-Director Judy Cuthbertson saw how often educators and district leaders asked what play-based learning is and why it works. Based in Play was created to answer that question with real classrooms, real teachers, and real students.
What You Will See
- Students actively applying math, science, literacy, and social studies in meaningful, real-world contexts
- Teachers observing, scaffolding, and extending inquiry
- Executive function in action: collaboration, problem solving, perseverance
Bottom line: When curriculum and pedagogy align with the way children’s brains work, learning make sense to students. Play opens the door to academic mastery and to life skills.
Host a Screening
Ready to spark conversations about transforming education in your school or community? The film works perfectly for professional development sessions, parent meetings, board presentations, or conference workshops. Get the Vimeo link to the play-based Learning documentary, Based in Play. We also provide a free Discussion Guide to maximize screening impact.
Acknowledgements and Credits
We are exceptionally grateful for the talented and inspiring educators who welcomed us into their classrooms and schools to see students truly engaged and learning through play. The students in this film were the stars of the film. Each and every one of them shared knowledge, observations, and excellence well beyond their young years. We are so very thankful to their parents and guardians for allowing us to film their children.
Credits
Directors/Producers
Kathryn Crockett
Judy Cuthbertson
Executive Producer
Karen Pritzer
Videography
Peter McCue (PearlPro Video)
Editing
Peter McCue
Kathryn Crockett
Voice-Over Narration
Terrence Riggins
Narration Audio
Paul Falcone, University of New Haven
Child Development Expert and Scientific Advisor
Peg Oliveira, PhD
Gesell Program in Early Childhood
Yale Child Study Center
Educators
Carol Barker
Preschool
Six to Six Magnet School – Bridgeport, Conn.
Meghan Calhoun
Academic Project Coordinator
Adam J. Lewis Academy – Bridgeport, Conn.
Kerry Darby
Library Media Specialist
Lawrence School – Middletown, Conn.
Abby Ginsberg
First Grade Teacher
Adam J. Lewis Academy – Bridgeport, Conn.
Kattie Konno-Leonffu
Fifth Grade Teacher
Clinton Avenue School – New Haven, Conn.
Denise Kraft
IB Coordinator
Lawrence School – Middletown, Conn.
Luis Menacho
Principal
John S. Martinez Sea & Sky STEM Magnet School – New Haven, Conn.
Carrie Nelson
Third Grade Teacher
Lawrence School – Middletown, Conn.
Olivia Reny
First Grade Teacher
Adam J. Lewis Academy – Bridgeport, Conn.