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Skokie 68 highlights play-based learning rollout at Devonshire
Summary
Skokie School District 68 presented its new play-based learning (PBL) initiative, funded in part by Title I, describing a PBL handbook, teacher training, classroom materials and early signs of improved social-emotional skills and kindergarten readiness.
Skokie School District 68 staff on Dec. 19 described the districtwide rollout of play-based learning (PBL), a developmentally focused approach introduced in kindergarten classrooms this school year. The presentation, led by the district's PBL team and Devonshire School staff, explained that teachers received training and a handbook, that classroom materials (blocks, puppet theater, market stand and other rotating school-based items) were purchased with Title I funds, and that the district plans ongoing calibration in spring to refine implementation.
"Play helps our brain grow," said Beth Shiat, a Devonshire kindergarten teacher, during a classroom demonstration emphasizing how play connects to math, literacy and problem solving. Teachers and the superintendent noted teachers collect observational KIDS survey data during students' first 40 days to guide instruction, and staff said early classroom observations show reduced behavioral incidents and stronger social-emotional learning. District leaders said they will continue to examine assessment timing and possible expansion of PBL beyond kindergarten after the pilot year.
The presentation included testimony from three kindergarten teachers and student examples, as well as an explanation that some districts have already sought Skokie 68 guidance after seeing the program in action. The board was told the district has arranged multiple professional-development "play series" sessions and will revisit implementation in an April reflection and again at year-end to determine next steps.
The PBL launch was presented as part of the superintendent's reports; the district will continue to monitor KIDS-survey data, iReady growth measures and teacher feedback to evaluate whether to expand PBL to additional early grades.
