Date Approved
4-28-2026
Graduate Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Education-Instruction and Curriculum: Early Childhood Education (M.Ed.)
Degree Program
College of Education
First Advisor
Sherie Klee
Academic Year
2025/2026
Abstract
Play-based learning is a beneficial tool that can help support development of not only young children but students of all ages and abilities. While research may show that play-based learning has benefits for students’ development, many schools in the United States, including public schools in Macomb County do not have professional development opportunities to educate teachers on play-based learning. This project covers the benefits, theories, and implementation strategies of play-based learning. It explains how play-based learning can be beneficial for students cognitive and academic skills. It also supports social emotional development, physical development, and language development. Not only does play-based learning provide children with a holistic development, but it also provides them with the necessary school readiness skills needed for young students. The intended goal of this project is to help educate teachers and support them in their implementation of play-based learning. This project not only outlines the benefits of play-based learning but outlines a professional development which can be used to educate educators by giving them the chance to collaborate and gain support while implementing play-based learning into learning.
ScholarWorks Citation
Cavanaugh, Nina, "The Importance of Play-Based Learning" (2026). Culminating Experience Projects. 674.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/674
