The power of play in a grade 5 classroom

Abstract

The project The Power of Play in a Grade 5 Classroom examines and offers answers to questions about the appropriate use of play in a Grade 5 class. The researcher has utilized playas a strategy for cognitive and social development with her Grade 5 students for several years and although she intuitively recognized the value of implementing such a learning strategy, she had not formally gathered evidence to support her position. In addition to reviewing literature pertaining to the topic, the research project brings forth supporting evidence from her classroom and curriculum practice which indicates that intermediate students who are provided with play opportunities in the class benefit emotionally, socially and academically. This document consists of personal reflections on action research done over several years.