Research has shown that play-based learning is beneficial for student growth and development in academic, social, and emotional skills. The professional development course designed for this project focuses on implementing a play-based learning pedagogical approach in first grade classrooms, in order to strengthen student social and emotional skills and increase academic knowledge. Play-based learning has been widely used and studied in preschool and kindergarten classrooms, but research on play and implementation at the first grade level is limited. The project involved creating professional development sessions that engaged teachers in play while learning best practices for creating change in their classrooms. The professional development sessions were created for first grade teachers, but are not standard specific and could be applied to other grades. The goal of this project is to help teachers create developmentally appropriate learning opportunities for students through collaboration and play
