From Research to Recess: The Science Behind Great Teaching

Play-Based Learning Making a Comeback

If you’ve been hearing more people talk about play-based learning lately, you’re not imagining it. In this episode, we’re digging into why play is finally making its way back into early childhood classrooms and what that means for teachers. We chat about the research behind guided play, how scripted curricula changed kindergarten classrooms over the years, and simple ways teachers can bring more joy and engagement back into learning without sacrificing strong instruction. We also talk about the difference between free play and guided play, why that distinction matters, and how playful learning supports both academic growth and social-emotional development. Plus, we share practical ideas teachers can use to advocate for developmentally appropriate practices with administrators and families. * Why play-based learning faded after No Child Left Behind and why educators are pushing for it again * What the research says about guided play and student learning outcomes * How standardized testing pressures reshaped kindergarten classrooms * The difference between free play and guided play (and why guided play matters) * Simple ways teachers can build more playful learning into the school day * Why balancing direct instruction with movement and play helps attention and engagement * The challenges of scripted “big box” curricula in early childhood classrooms * Research from 2022 showing the positive impact guided play has on foundational skills * Honest reflections on classroom climate, teacher joy, and student engagement * Practical advocacy tips for teachers who want to create more developmentally appropriate classrooms TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Why play-based learning is making a comeback 00:21 – Teachers asking for more play-focused professional development 00:42 – How No Child Left Behind changed kindergarten classrooms 01:11 – The role standardized testing played in reducing play 02:34 – States beginning to support play-based learning models again 03:57 – The problem with scripted curriculum in early childhood 04:36 – Guided play vs. free play: what’s the difference? 07:50 – Easy ways to integrate guided play into daily lessons 08:32 – How playful learning supports both academics and social skills 10:06 – Balancing direct instruction and play for better engagement 11:18 – Thoughts on curriculum design and administrator support 12:18 – Advocacy tips for bringing more joy and play into classrooms 13:04 – Encouragement for teachers creating joyful learning environments RESEARCH ARTICLE: Play-Based Learning in Kindergarten Is Making a Comeback. Here’s What It Means [https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/play-based-learning-in-kindergarten-is-making-a-comeback-heres-what-it-means/2025/10] WHERE YOU CAN FIND US: Hilary Statum: ⁠⁠⁠https://pencilstopigtails.com/⁠⁠⁠ [https://pencilstopigtails.com/] Deedee Wills: ⁠⁠⁠https://mrswillskindergarten.com/ [https://mrswillskindergarten.com/]

Beyond the Treasure Box: Exploring Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation

Are treasure boxes ruining motivation? Should we ditch desk pets? And how do we encourage students to genuinely want to learn instead of always working for a reward? In this episode, we’re having an honest conversation about intrinsic motivation in the classroom and what it means for teachers today. We share practical ways to support student motivation while still creating a fun, engaging classroom environment. We also talk about: * Why external rewards often work short-term but don’t always build lasting motivation * The four key drivers of intrinsic motivation: autonomy, competence, relatedness, and relevance * How classroom boundaries actually support emotional safety and student growth * Why classroom culture matters more than any prize box * Ways to make learning engaging without relying on constant tangible rewards * How PBIS and school-wide systems influence student behavior * Practical ideas for balancing structure, fun, and motivation in your classroom If you’ve ever felt torn between using incentives and wanting students to develop internal motivation, this episode is full of thoughtful discussion and classroom-tested ideas. TIMESTAMPS * 00:00 – Introduction and episode overview * 00:25 – Treasure boxes, rewards, and classroom motivation * 01:09 – Boundaries, classroom expectations, and student behavior * 02:31 – Why structure supports intrinsic motivation * 03:49 – Motivation matters at every grade level * 04:23 – Grades, prizes, desk pets, and external motivators * 05:23 – Creating the right classroom conditions for learning * 06:21 – Short-term compliance vs. long-term motivation * 07:01 – The four pillars of intrinsic motivation * 08:43 – Setting up a classroom environment that supports motivation * 09:13 – Fun alternatives to material rewards * 10:16 – PBIS, behavior systems, and classroom culture * 11:37 – Encouraging authentic behavior instead of compliance * 13:39 – When rewards become distractions * 15:48 – Creative classroom engagement ideas * 16:53 – Building a classroom culture where rewards aren’t the focus * 17:03 – Desk pets, classroom tools, and moderation * 18:00 – Managing distractions while keeping learning fun * 18:42 – Final thoughts on balancing motivation and structure * 19:27 – Wrap-up and resources RESEARCH ARTICLE:How to Promote the Intrinsic Desire to Learn [https://www.edutopia.org/article/promote-intrinsic-desire-to-learn] WHERE YOU CAN FIND US: Hilary Statum: ⁠⁠⁠https://pencilstopigtails.com/⁠⁠⁠ [https://pencilstopigtails.com/] Deedee Wills: ⁠⁠⁠https://mrswillskindergarten.com/ [https://mrswillskindergarten.com/]

How to Prepare Kids Emotionally for the Next School Year

Moving to a new grade level can bring a lot of big feelings for young learners. In this episode, we chat about ways teachers and families can support children emotionally during those important transitions. We talk about what it’s really like for students to leave a familiar classroom, meet a new teacher, and adjust to new routines and expectations. Hilary shares practical, encouraging ideas that help children feel more confident, less anxious, and more prepared for what’s ahead. If you’re wrapping up the school year in your classroom or helping your child get ready for a new beginning, you’ll walk away with simple strategies you can start using right away. In this episode, we discuss: * Why grade-level transitions can feel overwhelming for young children * Common emotional reactions students may experience during change * Simple ways teachers can help students feel emotionally ready for a new classroom * How families and teachers can work together to support children through transitions * Confidence-building strategies that help students feel safe and secure * Routines and conversations that can ease transition anxiety * Ways to help children feel excited and optimistic about their next step KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS ARTICLE: * Emotional readiness matters just as much as academic readiness * Predictable routines and reassurance can help reduce anxiety * Small supports and everyday conversations make a big impact * Strong home-school connections help children feel more confident and secure CHAPTERS * 00:00Navigating Transitions: Preparing Students for New Grades * 15:09Practical Strategies for Emotional Readiness * 15:53Building Confidence and Independence in Students SOURCE ARTICLE: Children’s Experience of Transition from Preschool To Primary School: A Scoping Literature Review [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10643-025-02019-1] EPISODE FREE FILE: Helping Your Child Feel Ready for the Next Grade [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nvy45zkk7adyk8edws6u0/Helping-Your-Child-Feel-Ready-for-the-Next-Grade-Level-Parent-File.pdf?rlkey=m2dh0ptrjlhtecvgljhg9rq87&dl=1] WHERE YOU CAN FIND US: Hilary Statum: ⁠⁠https://pencilstopigtails.com/⁠⁠ [https://pencilstopigtails.com/] Deedee Wills: ⁠⁠https://mrswillskindergarten.com/ [https://mrswillskindergarten.com/]

Behavior Challenges and Language Processing: What We Might Be Missing in the Classroom

This episode explores the connection between language processing difficulties and classroom behaviors. Deedee and Hilary discuss practical strategies for teachers to identify and support students with language challenges, emphasizing the importance of instructional adjustments and understanding behavior as communication. KEY TOPICS * Language processing and classroom behavior * Instructional strategies for diverse learners * Recognizing behavior as communication TAKEAWAYS * Behavior is often a symptom of language processing difficulties. * Breaking instructions into simple steps can improve student engagement. * Using visuals and pacing helps students follow directions. * Recording and analyzing your instructions can reveal areas for improvement. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Understanding Behavior vs. Language Processing 02:52 Interpreting Student Behaviors 05:57 Effective Instructional Strategies 09:01 Enhancing Communication in the Classroom 12:00 Building Vocabulary and Understanding 14:58 Reframing Challenges in Education SOURCE ARTICLE: Social, emotional, and behavioral skills in students with or without specific learning disabilities⁠ [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1041608024001742] EPISODE FREE FILE: During this episode, we promised you a free file, you can download it by clicking: “Is It Behavior or Language?” Quick Strategy Checklist for Kindergarten Teachers [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/w9da7d05fkn9xfjnfy9da/Behavior-or-Language-free-file.pdf?rlkey=rtyod60y7npj3wj9he7pwmw7k&dl=1] WHERE YOU CAN FIND US: Hilary Statum: ⁠https://pencilstopigtails.com/⁠ [https://pencilstopigtails.com/] Deedee Wills: ⁠https://mrswillskindergarten.com/ [https://mrswillskindergarten.com/]

5 Key Developmental Domains for Kindergarten Readiness: How Social-Emotional Skills Impact School Success

This episode explores the critical social-emotional and developmental skills children need before starting kindergarten. Hosted by educators Deedee and Hillary, it discusses recent research, classroom observations, and practical tips for parents and teachers to prepare children for school success. KEY TOPICS * Social-emotional development in children * Impact of screen time and parental engagement * Importance of fine motor skills and pencil grip CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Social Emotional Skills 03:00 The Importance of Developmental Domains 06:03 Engagement in Learning Activities 08:54 The Role of Parents in Read-Alouds 11:57 Challenges in Kindergarten Readiness 14:57 Conclusion and Future Outlook SOURCE ARTICLE: To Be Ready for Kindergarten, Teachers and Researchers Say Social-Emotional Skills Are Key [https://www.edsurge.com/news/2024-09-10-to-be-ready-for-kindergarten-teachers-and-researchers-say-social-emotional-skills-are-key] LEARN MORE: https://mrswillskindergarten.com/podcast2/key-developmental-domains-for-kindergarten-readiness-and-why-social-emotional-skills-matter-most/ [https://mrswillskindergarten.com/podcast2/key-developmental-domains-for-kindergarten-readiness-and-why-social-emotional-skills-matter-most/] Where can you find us? Hilary Statum: ⁠https://pencilstopigtails.com/⁠ [https://pencilstopigtails.com/] Deedee Wills: ⁠https://mrswillskindergarten.com/ [https://mrswillskindergarten.com/]