$300K grant expands playful learning in elementary
Chair of the School Committee, Geoff Swett, discusses the benefits of playful learning. Photo by Brandy Muz
Chair of the School Committee, Geoff Swett, discusses the benefits of playful learning. Photo by Brandy Muz
The Wareham School Committee has approved a pair of initiatives that aim to evaluate elementary school learning at the Thursday, April 16 meeting.
The district received a grant of more than $300,000 to support “playful learning” in pre-kindergarten through third grade classrooms. The approach will incorporate activities such as drama, writing and interactive learning.
Playful learning is a teaching technique that combines academic instruction with hands-on, student-driven activities.
Former Wareham Elementary School Principal and current Beyond School Time Director Bethany Chandler said the program blends structured curriculum with creative, student-driven experiences designed to increase engagement and deepen understanding. Though she now spends her time tending to older students, Chandler called the program a "passion project" of hers and said it has had success since it began two years ago.
“This is dynamite to see, because students have choice, and they are working very hard,” she said.
As part of the initiative, evaluators will visit classrooms to observe instruction and collect data. The evaluation will also include interviews with teachers, administrators and families to assess how the practices are being implemented and their impact on students.
Participation in an additional evaluation effort will also begin as it was approved by the committee. Evaluators will survey staff, students and families about the overall school environment.
Chandler said the surveys are expected to take minimal time and will help guide future decisions by providing feedback on teaching practices and school climate. Parents should expect the survey questions to be sent out within the next few months.
