Recently our staff took part in a day long workshop focused on play based learning run by the very knowledgeable team from Longworth Education. I found the workshop very worthwhile, providing a valuable pedagogical base and framework to support what is seemingly an aspect of education that is currently having a high profile in NZ primary education.
My mind wandered as it always does during any professional learning experience to how this new knowledge can impact my role as the lead learner and principal and my school. Throughout the day, 3 wonderings rose up above the others.
- The potential of a play based professional learning approach.
- The essential element of teacher expertise in coaching guided play.
- The importance of male teachers in play based learning environments???
This post will unpack the first point, elaborated here through a question…
How can the benefits of play based learning be utilised in a play based professional learning approach?
So let’s reference the folks from Longworth in how they describe the philosophy that drives play based learning.

Now let’s change the context and think of this as a starting point for play based professional learning: thus, primarily, play based professional learning could be underpinned by it being:
- self-chosen and self-directed;
- process rather than product driven;
- contains structures or rules established by the players [learners] themselves;
- imaginative, non-literal and removed from reality;
- occurs between those who are active, alert and non-stressed.

Play based professional learning is an environment where through play:
- Teachers are in control of their own learning.
- Teachers are active and fully engaged.
- Teachers take part in rich conversations with their colleagues and their leaders.
- Teachers choose and manipulate loose parts to enable them to engage in authentic learning.
- Leaders are seen as facilitators, guiding and scaffolding the learning.
- Leaders respond to the urges and the developmental stages of the teachers.
- Leaders are able to link the learning in the play to the practicing teacher criteria/school’s vision & goals.
A quick Google has revealed the Institute of Play where “We are committed to empowering young people to navigate their way to a promising tomorrow by making learning irresistible. Join us in creating a movement to bring the power of play and design into every classroom”. This includes “Educator Programs: Research-based educator programs that integrate design and play”. A video outlines more. This does not fit exactly to my brief/thoughts, but it certainly helps channel and clarify my thinking.
Finally, as part of our leadership PLG here at school, we recently viewed the short video Locating Yourself – A Key to Conscious Leadership. Watch the whole thing, it is great and excellent for reviewing your leadership approach and avoiding a cup half empty view… What, you may ask, has that got to do with a play based professional learning approach?Well, take note of what is highlighted at around 2:15.
What do you think?
#play #professionallearning