Benefits of Using Play-Based Learning in a Kindergarten Classroom

This capstone project titled, Benefits of Using Play-Based Learning in a Kindergarten Classroom, covers research from Vygotsky, Montessori, and Gardner, as well as a comparison of learning in kindergarten aged classrooms around the world. Research from several theorists and other countries have shown that play-based learning is a developmentally appropriate way to teach the academic standards to kindergarten students. Different models of learning, child-initiated and teacher directed, are examined. Benefits for students, who were engaged in this type of learning, were found in the areas of reading, math, and social-emotional. A play-based, teacher-directed, multiple intelligences curriculum was developed to help kindergarten students learn their letters and fulfil the standard of letter naming. This curriculum was developed using the Understanding by Design curriculum framework. The goal of this curriculum is to give students a play-based way to work on kindergarten academic skills. The students who are utilizing this curriculum, will be assessed on their progress using a standardized assessment tool. The results of this project and capstone will be shared with teachers in the district to encourage further research on developmentally appropriate practices in kindergarten