If you’re a primary teacher who wants to include more playful learning in your classroom but feels unsure or even a little fearful—you’re not alone.
Many of us were not trained with this approach.. We were taught to have children busy at their desks, completing booklets and worksheets. But what if there’s another way? A way that still honours curriculum outcomes and the natural curiosity of children?
After years of classroom experience, I’ve discovered that a well-planned playful learning environment isn’t chaotic or “off-task”—it’s intentional, joyful, and incredibly powerful for student learning.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how I set up my Grade One and Two Classroom to support both playful learning and academic success.
1. Start with the End in Mind
Before moving furniture or choosing materials, I take time to reflect:
What kind of learning experiences do I want my students to have?
I knew I wanted my students to:
- Be curious
- Ask questions
- Collaborate with others
- Feel confident and capable
So every decision I made about the space, schedule, and routines was based on creating those outcomes.
2. Balance Explicit Teaching with Playful Learning
Yes—there is still direct instruction in my classroom. Whole group mini-lessons, small group meetings, and individual or partner practice sessions still happen daily.
But I balance these moments with playful provocations and open-ended invitations that allow students to explore, apply, and extend their learning in meaningful ways.
For example:
- After a science lesson on plant life cycles, students might explore real seeds, soil, and garden tools in the science centre.
- After a writing mini-lesson, students might create stories using puppets or story stones.
It’s not either/or. It’s both.
3. Create a Learning Environment That Sparks Curiosity
Your classroom setup sends a message about what you value. I want my students to feel like active participants in their learning—so I use:
- Natural materials that invite exploration
- Loose parts and open-ended tools
- Clearly labeled materials children can access independently
Everything in the room has a purpose, and most things are accessible to students without adult help. This builds independence, ownership, and initiative.
4. Build a Schedule That Reflects Your Intentions
If you want to include playful learning, you need time for it. That means building a daily schedule that includes:
- Whole group instruction
- Small group and guided learning
- Open-ended exploration blocks
- Partner and independent work time
I’m intentional about alternating teacher-directed and student-led times. I also build in movement, reflection time, and play-based centres that reflect student interests and curriculum connections.
5. Plan for Different Ways of Working
Not all learning has to be done at desks or in rows. My classroom includes:
- A gathering space for whole group meetings and read-alouds
- Table areas for small group instruction and projects
- Quiet corners for independent reading or writing
- Partner zones and floor spaces for hands-on learning
Children need space to move, collaborate, and choose how they learn best. These options make that possible.
6. Reflect your Students in the Room
A playful classroom should feel welcoming to every child. That means making sure the materials, books, and displays reflect the students in your room.
I include displays, art supplies, and books that reflect a range of languages, skin tones, and cultural practices. This helps children see themselves in the space—and learn about others too.
7. Honour Children’s Needs, Interests, and Stamina
One of the biggest shifts in moving to a playful learning approach is trusting children. I’ve learned to watch and listen carefully. I ask myself questions like:
- What are they curious about?
- What are they ready for?
- What do they need more time with?
I build a schedule that includes:
- Time for exploration, not just output
- Space for student voice and choice
- Breaks for movement, rest, and quiet
- Room for revisiting ideas over time
When we honour children, we build trust. And when they feel seen, heard, and safe—they learn more deeply.
Next Steps
If you’re curious about playful learning but feel unsure, start small. Add a new centre. Try one playful invitation linked to your next science or writing lesson. Shift your schedule to include 20 minutes of open exploration.
Playful learning isn’t just “free time.” It’s purposeful, responsive, and incredibly rich. And best of all—it meets children where they are while still helping them grow.
You can do this. And your students will thank you.
Happy Teaching,
Lynda
Here is a Guide to Get You Started – click here to get your copy
