#107: The Surprising Science Behind Play-Based Learning with Kristen Day
When Did Childhood Get So Serious?
A few years ago, I visited a kindergarten classroom that felt… different. The block center was gone. The dramatic play area had quietly disappeared. There were still bright colors on the walls and cheerful student work displayed, but something was missing. The hum of creativity, the joyful mess, the spontaneous giggles of pretend play—it had all been replaced with more structure, more “seat work,” and less room to just be kids.
And here’s the wild thing: no one had done anything “wrong.” The teacher was warm and skilled. The students were doing what they were told. But the spark—the soul of early learning—was missing.
That was the moment I knew we needed to talk more—much more—about the science behind play-based learning. Not as a fluffy “extra,” but as the research-backed foundation our youngest learners actually need.
In this episode, I’m joined by Kristen Day, founder of Butterfly Hill Nature Preschool and self-described “Lorax of early childhood.” Kristen is here to challenge the idea that play is a break from learning. She shows us how it is learning—and why we need to fight to protect it.
What the Research Really Says About Play
There’s a growing body of neuroscience confirming what early childhood educators have known in their hearts for decades: young children learn best through play. And we’re not talking about chaotic, unsupervised free-for-alls. We’re talking about purposeful, open-ended, curiosity-driven play that helps students build skills across every domain.
Here’s what the science tells us:
- Cognitive Growth: Play strengthens executive functioning, problem-solving, and creativity—critical foundations for reading, writing, and math.
- Emotional Regulation: Children who engage in pretend play and risky play (like stick sword fighting!) develop stronger self-control, flexibility, and empathy.
- Language Development: Through dialogue-rich play scenarios, kids expand their vocabulary, narrative skills, and expressive language.
- Sensory Integration & Focus: Outdoor and nature-based play support brain-body regulation, which directly impacts attention and behavior in the classroom.
Kristen also introduces the concept of “nature deficit disorder,” coined by author Richard Louv, to describe the physical and emotional toll of keeping children indoors, over-scheduled, and disconnected from their senses.
The reality? Some children spend more time in front of a screen than they do outside—and it’s affecting their development.
3 Ways to Reclaim Play in PreK–2 Classrooms
You don’t have to overhaul your entire curriculum to make room for play. Kristen offers simple, realistic shifts teachers can start using right away:
1. Rethink Your Centers
Instead of only rotating kids through rigid academic stations, let them also revisit open-ended materials like blocks, dramatic play, or sensory bins. Keep them out all week to encourage deeper engagement.
2. Allow “Risky” Play—Within Reason
Children need opportunities to explore boundaries. Whether it’s climbing, running, or yes—even stick sword fighting—these moments build confidence, coordination, and self-regulation.
Fun fact: Kristen once asked an ER nurse how many kids she’d seen with eye injuries from sticks. The answer? Zero.
3. Advocate with Confidence
If your admin needs convincing, start with the research. Talk about brain development, executive functioning, and how play supports academic outcomes. Frame it as a science-based strategy, not just a “feel-good” philosophy.
“We are caregivers first, teachers second,” Kristen says. And it’s through play that we meet the needs of the whole child—not just their test scores.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
- Why denying children play can be just as harmful as denying them pencils.
- The surprising developmental benefits of risky play (yes, even roughhousing!).
- What nature-based preschools are getting right—and how we can apply those lessons in PreK–2.
- How to advocate for more playtime in a system obsessed with standards.
- Easy ways to add open-ended, literacy-rich play back into your classroom—without overhauling your whole day.
Bringing It All Together
If you’ve ever felt torn between your instincts as an early childhood educator and the pressure to “get through the curriculum,” Kristen’s message is a breath of fresh air. The research is on your side. The brain science is clear. And most importantly—your kids deserve a joyful, curiosity-filled childhood.
So the next time someone calls play “just fun,” you’ll have the words—and the research—to show them it’s so much more.
Want More Support? Join The Science of Reading Formula
If you’re ready to take your classroom beyond the basics and learn how to combine research-backed literacy strategies with developmentally appropriate (and fun!) practice, we’ve got your back.
👉 Join The Science of Reading Formula
Inside, you’ll find coaching, community, and practical tools designed specifically for PreK–2 teachers who want to do things differently—and do them better.
LINKS
Kristen Day’s Website // Instagram // Facebook
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!
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