The Power of Play in Kindergarten and Beyond

“Play-based learning allows students to learn while at play. The continuum of play-based learning varies based on the learning goals, ranging from student-directed play, to guided play, to educator directed play.”  Ontario Ministry of Education, The Kindergarten Curriculum (2026)

One of the things I love most about teaching Kindergarten is the focus on play-based learning. When I taught Kindergarten, I always told students and their families: play is work. When students are playing, they’re learning in so many areas: problem solving, creative thinking, social skills, emotional awareness. They learn to think for themselves, understand their own feelings, and recognize the feelings of those around them. Through play, they learn to respect differences, build relationships, and grow socially and emotionally.

Play-based learning also helps students think critically and develop a strong foundation in literacy and math. It supports making connections, contributing to their learning community, and exploring the natural world.

Consider checking out Professional Learning in Early Years for bite size videos, podcasts, chats and resources to support your Kindergarten classroom.

Even when I’m not teaching Kindergarten, I find ways to include play. I think all kids need to play — and honestly, adults do too.  This year I am teaching in a Learning Center. This learning space is focused on literacy and math intervention as well as supporting self-regulation.

As I reflect on different types of play in Kindergarten, I think about how I would adapt it into the learning center.

Different types of play

Dramatic play

This is my favourite area to set up. I love how kids interact in a house center, often playing “family.” I include baby dolls with different skin tones and dishes and utensils from different cultures. I’ve also seen dramatic play centers become restaurants, stores, and gardens. In the learning center I can include drama games including role play and puppets to teach lessons.

Sensory play

Some students gravitate to sensory centers like sand, water, and play dough. I’ve added a marble run to water and watched kids explore cause and effect. The next week, the marble run can go in the sand with cars and diggers, and suddenly the play shifts again. In the learning center, I have a basket of sensory items for students to use to help them regulate and focus. As I get to know my students I learn what they gravitate to and ensure they get their sensory break.

Cooperative play

This type of play often includes an educator modeling how to cooperate. Games that involve taking turns or building something together help students learn how to share, take the lead, and listen to different ideas. In the learning center, I can use math and word games to help me continue to teach these important life skills.

Constructive play

In Kindergarten, I have bins of building tools like blocks, Lego, straws, and more. Sometimes students play independently, and sometimes they play side by side in parallel play. There are also moments when students work together to build and create. The art center also promotes creativity with coloring tools, scissors, stickers, and other materials. Currently, I still put out a bin of Lego and see what students would create.

Rule-based play

This type of play is often guided by an educator. Games like Simon Says and What Time Is It, Mr. Wolf? are great for practicing listening skills and following instructions. Musical Chairs is always a class favourite. These games can be played in the classroom, the gym, or outside. I also play classic games like 7-up and Four Corners.

How Play Shifts in Older Grades

As students get older, play doesn’t disappear, it just changes. Consider cross-curricular and integrated learning. Bring STEM into your classroom. STEM integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and many educators include the arts to make STEAM learning happen.

Teach Oral Language Skills Through Drama and Play

Oral language skills are important across all grades, especially for students with differnet learner profiles and multilingual language learners. Drama games give students a low-risk, safe space to practice speaking and listening. This can happen through role play or dramatic play.

Try This Story Activity

Sit in a circle and begin with a story prompt. Each student adds a detail to continue the story.

Turn this into a writing activity using a fold-over story activity

• Each student gets a sheet of paper.
• They follow the prompt and write down their idea(s)
• They fold the paper, so the next student can’t see what was written and pass it on
• Pass the paper around the room until all prompts are complete.
  • Who? Where? What? Why? (optional ‘with who?’)
• Unfold the paper and read the story. Watch and listen for the giggles and laugh along with them because your students are learning and playing.

I hope you find moments to play throughout your day and have fun in your learning space.