Learning Through Play in the Primary School

Drawing on research to inform practice, this book is written for teachers and school leaders looking for guidance on how to successfully implement a play-based curriculum in the early years of primary school. Learning Through Play in the Primary School unpacks the "why" and the "how" of embedding play-based pedagogies in the first three years of school. The book is divided into two sections, the first drawing on the latest research to outline the importance of play in a child’s development and emotional engagement in learning. The second section provides practical support and examples for how to embed play in a school curriculum to enhance young children’s learning. The practical section covers setting up an environment for guided play, demonstrating how to assess learning from play-based activities and how to report on outcomes, supported by checklists, vignettes, and case studies. Written to facilitate the implementation of play-based learning in the primary school years, this book will be an essential guide for pre- and in-service teachers and school leaders.