Professionalisation in a play-based curriculum

ABSTRACT This paper first reviews the roles, concepts and practices within SBBD. The paper continues with two single case studies and a survey on the three main phases used in the Netherlands to aid educational institutes in developing a play-based curriculum. In the first case educational professionals (EPs) recognise that the play-based approach helped them learn about, experience and understand the implications and effects of SBBD while making a transition from a fixed, programmed approach of reading to a play-based approach of literacy. In the research on the second case, EPs mention that their development in practice has improved during the implementation phase. The reasons and the main bottlenecks are mentioned. The final case elaborates on hypothetical learning processes by writing learning stories. This case shows how this is an important tool for EPs and also a way to involve the child’s parents and caregivers in the learning community. The paper illustrates how SBBD trainers use play but also enact in a playful way when working with the EPs wanting to implement a play-based curriculum.