The Impact of Play-Based Learning on Preschoolers’ Behavior
Level of Education of Students Involved
Graduate
Faculty Sponsor
Selina Bartels
College
Other
Discipline(s)
Education
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Symposium Date
Spring 4-30-2026
Abstract
Abstract
Play is a critical component of early childhood development. However, the use of play during instructional time has significantly declined in many preschool settings. This can be attributed to increased academic demand and standardized assessment expectations. This study investigates how incorporating play-based learning during instructional time impacts preschoolers’ behavior. The proposed study will define play and highlight the benefits of play for supporting cognitive, social, emotional, physical and language development. Also, scholarly articles and developmental theorists such as Freud, Erikson and Vygotsky will be used to support this proposed study. A literature review will examine ways teachers can integrate play in their classroom routine to guide behavior, promote literacy and language development, and support a positive learning environment.
Participants will include 24 preschool students between the ages of 4 and 5 from a child development center. The children will be randomly selected and placed in two groups of 12. The children will be observed during instructional time for desirable behavior and undesirable behavior while engaging in worksheet-based learning and play-based learning. The observation will be conducted each school day Monday to Friday for a period of 40 minutes. The study will be conducted over a period of two months during school days. The proposed quantitative study will use observational design to compare children’s behavior during play-based learning and traditional worksheet-based learning. The study will measure students’ behavior using the Preschool and Kindergarten Behavioral Scales (PKBS). Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics to compare desirable behavior and undesirable behavior across instructional activities.
Recommended Citation
Campbell, Stephanie, "The Impact of Play-Based Learning on Preschoolers’ Behavior" (2026). Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE). 1566.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/1566
