Empower Teaching Through Play-Based Learning

Is Kindergarten the New First Grade?

Bassok, D., Latham, S., Rorem, A.

Large-scale survey analysis of U.S. kindergarten teachers from 1998 and 2010. Finds big increases in academic pressure and reduced time for play and child-chosen activities. Helps teachers argue for keeping play, recess, and hands-on learning in early grades while still meeting standards.

The Playful Learning Curriculum: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Størksen, I., Rege, M., Solli, I. F., ten Braak, D., Lenes, R.

Randomized trial in Norwegian kindergartens testing a structured playful learning curriculum for 5-year-olds. Children in the play-based program showed gains in early math, vocabulary, and working memory. Shows how scheduled, purposeful play blocks can support school readiness skills.

Learning through play in early childhood: A systematic review

Jia Yee, L., Mohd Radzi, N. M., Mamat, N.

Systematic review of international studies on learning through play. Summarizes evidence on learning outcomes, teaching practices, teacher development, and parents’ beliefs. Helps teachers see where play supports cognition, social skills, and motivation, and highlights the need to explain play to families.

ECE Teachers’ Views on Play-Based Learning: Systematic Review

Bubikova-Moan, J., Næss Hjetland, H., Wollscheid, S.

Systematic review of 62 studies on teachers’ views of play-based learning in 24 countries. Finds many teachers value play but feel unsure how and when to join children’s play. Useful for reflecting on teacher roles, balancing guidance and freedom, and dealing with policy pressures.

Teacher Scaffolding in Game-Based Learning in Primary Education

Liping Sun, Marjaana Kangas, Heli Ruokamo, Signe Siklander

Systematic review of teacher scaffolding in primary-level game-based learning. Shows how teachers introduce games, model strategies, ask questions, and debrief to deepen learning. Offers practical ideas for planning before-game, during-game, and after-game discussions in any subject.