EDSPX505.POP - The Power of Play in Early Learning

Course Description

Number of Credits: 1

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of play in the classroom and be able to articulate the research-based value of play in children’s growth and learning. Additionally, they will understand what a high-quality classroom environment looks like and feel confident designing learning spaces that encourage meaningful play and learning. Finally, they will develop actionable strategies to overcome barriers, strengthen their confidence in play-based teaching, and implement new, research-informed practices that enrich classroom learning through play. 

Important Spring 2026 Dates:

• Enrollment opens December 1, 2025 and closes March 9, 2026.
• The course quiz and final assignment are due April 6, 2026.
• Grades will be posted by April 27, 2026.

Instructor Information

Janice Carson

Phone - (208)-885-6104
Email - janicec@uidaho.edu

Course Objectives:

Participants will gain knowledge and skills to:

1. Explain the vital role of play in early learning and understand why it is the foundation of all development. 
2. Explain how to design and organize classroom environments that inspire exploration, creativity, and purposeful play. 
3. Connect play theory to real-world practice to enrich classroom learning through play. 

Session Titles and Descriptions:

Session One: The Purpose of Play – “Play is the Child’s Work”

The participants will explore the vital role of play in early learning and understand why it is the foundation of all development. To that end, they will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of play in the classroom and be able to articulate the research-based value of play in children’s growth and learning.

Session Two: Creating High-Quality Learning Environments

The participants will learn how to design and organize classroom environments that inspire exploration, creativity, and purposeful play. Moreover, they will understand what a high-quality classroom environment looks like and feel confident designing learning spaces that encourage meaningful play and learning.

Session Three: Play is Learning – Overcoming Challenges and Barriers

The participants will connect play theory to real-world practice and address common challenges educators face when implementing play-based learning. They will develop actionable strategies to overcome barriers, strengthen their confidence in play-based teaching, and implement new, research-informed practices that enrich classroom learning through play.

Required Materials

There are no outside readings or materials required for this course. Handouts are all provided in the Canvas course.

Course Requirements

1. Participation: Participants are required to log into the course and proceed stepwise through the material to complete all course content.
2. Complete all quizzes: Quizzes can be retaken until passed. 
3. Survey: Participants are required to complete a satisfaction survey.
4. Final assignment: Complete the “Play Classroom” assignment: Apply the information covered in the three-webinar series to connect play theory to real-world practice to enrich classroom learning through play.

Grading

This is a Pass/Fail course. Late work will not be accepted.

• Participants must earn an 80% or better on the final quiz to pass the course. Quizzes can be retaken until passed.
• Participants must earn an 80% or better on the final written assignment to pass the course.
• Participants must complete the online course satisfaction survey.