Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Summer 2024
Abstract
This paper explores the integration of play-based practices in K-5 education to enhance holistic child development and address gaps in student achievement. It underscores the cognitive, social-emotional, and physical benefits of play, proposing it as a strategy to improve academic outcomes at Jefferson Elementary School, which faces proficiency rates below state averages. Utilizing data from the Iowa Report Card and FAST assessments, the study emphasizes targeted literacy and mathematics interventions, reintroducing the DIBELS assessment, and adopting a new curriculum aligned with state standards. It advocates for professional development to equip educators with effective strategies for incorporating play into their teaching. The paper argues that embedding play-based methodologies can elevate student proficiency rates and support overall academic success.