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Blog - Life in a Play Based Classroom

Explicit teaching
Investigations and play
Classroom Environment
Social and Emotional
The Perfect Loose Parts Play Setup for Early Childhood Classrooms
The Perfect Loose Parts Play Setup for Early Childhood Classrooms

Discover how to set up the perfect early childhood loose parts play area with simple tips on choosing materials, designing spaces, and using provocations to spark creativity, problem-solving, and learning.

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InvestigationsJanelle McArdle12 May 2025loose parts, loose parts play, provocations, loose parts setupComment
No-Prep Easter Math Printables for Kindergarten
No-Prep Easter Math Printables for Kindergarten

Looking for fun and easy Easter math printables for kindergarten? Check out my no-prep Easter math worksheets to keep your students engaged while reinforcing essential math skills like number concepts, patterning, sorting & more!

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Explicit TeachingJanelle McArdle7 April 2025no prep, easter, maths, printables, kindergarten activitiesComment
A Guide to Introducing Yoga in the Classroom
A Guide to Introducing Yoga in the Classroom

Discover how to easily introduce yoga in the classroom - even if you're a beginner! Learn the benefits of yoga for kids, get time-saving tips, and explore my ready-to-use classroom yoga resources to support mindfulness, focus, and self-regulation in your early years classroom.

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Social and EmotionalJanelle McArdle19 March 2025classroom yoga, yoga in the classroom, kids yogaComment
Our Daily Morning Meeting in Kindergarten
Our Daily Morning Meeting in Kindergarten

Discover how to run a successful daily morning meeting in kindergarten! Learn morning meeting activities, ideas, and tips to create engaging routines that foster classroom community, support student learning, and start your school day right.

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Explicit Teaching, Classroom EnvironmentJanelle McArdle10 February 2025morning meeting, kindergarten, teacher planningComment
First Day of Kindergarten Activities
First Day of Kindergarten Activities

Discover practical first day of kindergarten activities, tips for managing those first-day jitters, and ideas to build relationships, establish routines, and create a welcoming classroom community. You can also download my free resources to make your first day stress-free!

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Explicit TeachingJanelle McArdle27 January 2025first day, kindergarten, teacher planning, kindergarten activitiesComment
Discover Play-based Learning Strategies for Prep or Foundation Stage
Discover Play-based Learning Strategies for Prep or Foundation Stage

Discover essential play-based learning strategies for Prep or Foundation stage classrooms. Learn how to foster curiosity, meet curriculum goals, and create engaging play-rich environments with my tips and free guide.

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InvestigationsJanelle McArdle30 December 2024play based learning strategies, play based learning, kindergarten, prep, foundation stage, preschoolComment
Planning for the First Week of Grade One
Planning for the First Week of Grade One

Make the first week of grade one a success! Discover practical tips, engaging activities, and flexible plans to build your classroom community, establish consistent routines, and feel confident knowing your first week of school planning is done.

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Explicit Teaching, InvestigationsJanelle McArdle27 December 2024teacher planning, first grade, grade one, grade 1, first week, back to schoolComment
My Play Based Kindergarten Daily Schedule
My Play Based Kindergarten Daily Schedule

Discover how to create a balanced kindergarten daily schedule that combines play-based learning with explicit teaching. Get tips, practical ideas, and a free editable planning template to keep your students engaged and meeting curriculum goals!

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Explicit Teaching, InvestigationsJanelle McArdle16 December 2024kindergarten daily schedule, play based learning, teacher planning, kindergarten Comment
Difference between Kindergarten Centers and Investigation Areas
Difference between Kindergarten Centers and Investigation Areas

What is the difference between kindergarten centers and investigation areas? Discover tips, strategies, and examples for both and create engaging learning areas that meet curriculum goals through hands-on learning.

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Investigations, Explicit TeachingJanelle McArdle2 December 2024kindergarten centers, investigation area, kindergarten classroom, play based areasComment
What is Inquiry Based Learning in Early Childhood?
What is Inquiry Based Learning in Early Childhood?

Discover how inquiry-based learning can transform your early childhood classroom by fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and deeper student engagement. Learn how this inquiry-based approach complements a play-based pedagogy and create a more engaging learning environment.

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Explicit Teaching, InvestigationsJanelle McArdle4 November 2024inquiry, inquiry based learning, early childhood, thinking skillsComment
Reflection Time in a Play Based Classroom: How to Run It Effectively
Reflection Time in a Play Based Classroom: How to Run It Effectively

Discover why reflection time is a vital part of a play-based classroom. Learn how to implement Walker Learning reflection strategies to connect play with curriculum and support student growth.

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Investigations, Explicit TeachingJanelle McArdle21 October 2024reflection, reflection time, play based, reflecting on learning, student reflection, walker learningComment
7 Benefits of Hands On Learning in Early Childhood Education
7 Benefits of Hands On Learning in Early Childhood Education

Discover the benefits of hands-on learning in early childhood education and learn how to effectively incorporate hands-on activities and resources into your teaching practice.

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Explicit Teaching, InvestigationsJanelle McArdle7 October 2024hands-on, hands-on learning, hands-on learning benefits, early childhood Comment
FREE Educators Guide to Loose Parts Play
FREE Educators Guide to Loose Parts Play

Discover the transformative power of loose parts play in early childhood education and download my comprehensive FREE Guide to Loose Parts Play. Learn how to use natural and recycled materials to develop creativity, problem-solving, and more in your play-based classroom.

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InvestigationsJanelle McArdle2 September 2024loose parts, loose parts play, loose parts ideas Comment
6 Ways to Use Picture Sorts in the Classroom
6 Ways to Use Picture Sorts in the Classroom

Discover 6 innovative ways to use picture sorts in your preschool, kindergarten, or 1st-grade classroom! Learn how these versatile resources can enhance phonemic awareness, vocabulary, and more and download my ready-made picture sorts to save yourself time and boost student engagement.

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Investigations, Explicit TeachingJanelle McArdle26 August 2024picture sorts, vocabulary cards, writing promptsComment
Froebel's Theory of Play for Early Childhood Education
Froebel's Theory of Play for Early Childhood Education

Discover the transformative power of Friedrich Froebel’s Theory of Play in early childhood education. Learn how his principles align with the EYLF and ACARA, and get practical tips for creating an effective play-based learning environment.

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InvestigationsJanelle McArdle12 August 2024play theory, froebel play theory, kindergarten, early childhoodComment
Inspiring Preschool Classroom Quotes for Teachers
Inspiring Preschool Classroom Quotes for Teachers

Discover the power of preschool classroom quotes to inspire and motivate both teachers and students. Learn creative ways to display and use these quotes to transform your classroom environment and download my free set of printable quotes to get started today!

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Classroom EnvironmentJanelle McArdle15 July 2024preschool, quotes, environment as the third teacherComment
14 Best Ten Frame Games for Kindergarten Math
14 Best Ten Frame Games for Kindergarten Math

Discover the best ten frame games for kindergarten and get my free ten frame printable. You’ll easily build number sense and math skills with these fun and engaging math ten frame activities.

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Explicit Teaching, InvestigationsJanelle McArdle24 June 2024ten frames, ten frame cards printable, kindergarten math, math gamesComment
Vygotsky's Play Theory: A Guide for Play Based Teachers
Vygotsky's Play Theory: A Guide for Play Based Teachers

Want to up your teaching game? Discover everything you need to know about Vygotsky Play Theory and how it can improve play based learning pedagogies in the early childhood classroom.

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Investigations, Explicit Teaching, Classroom EnvironmentJanelle McArdle3 June 2024play based classroom, play theory, Vygotsky, Vygotsky play theory Comments
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Janelle a play based learning early chldhood teacher
 

I’m Janelle and I’m here to help you implement an engaging, play based curriculum

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