Play Based Learning Observation Tool (P-BLOT)

Bridging the Knowledge to Practice Gap for Elementary School Teachers

The Play Based Learning Observation Tool (P-BLOT) bridges the gap between what educators know and believe about the power of play, and implementing play pedagogy in the classroom for students of all ages. Teachers access professional development supported by evidence-informed play pedagogy, to confidently navigate policy and curricular requirements, while students learn through play.

bookmark_border

Bookmark

Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

Web presence

2018

Established

40K

Children

4

Countries

Target group

Teachers

Updated

September 2024

It is hoped that the P-BLOT will bridge the gap between the research on child-led learning and teachers' confidence in embedding this pedagogy consistently and effectively. It provides practical guidance and reflective tools to help educators understand and implement high-quality, play-based practices empowering teachers to integrate child-centred learning confidently into their daily routines.

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

The P-BLOT was created to bridge the gap between innovative educational theories and classroom practice, particularly in child-centred education settings. There’s often a disconnect between play-based pedagogy ideals and daily teaching. The P-BLOT provides clear, actionable indicators to help teachers understand their role and effectively implement child-centred approaches.

What does your innovation look like in practice?

In practice, the P-BLOT is a dynamic, user-friendly tool that educators integrate into their daily routines to elevate play-based learning. Teachers use the P-BLOT to observe and reflect on their interactions, strategies, and environment, identifying strengths and areas for growth within their practice. It offers a structured yet adaptable framework with practice indicators that guide educators in understanding their role in child-centred, play-rich settings.

Educators engage with the tool to capture meaningful moments of learning, assess their teaching approaches, and make informed adjustments that support children’s development. The P-BLOT encourages ongoing reflective practice, empowering educators to fine-tune their pedagogy and align it with best practices in play-based learning. By using the P-BLOT, teachers can confidently navigate the complexities of play pedagogy, creating environments where children thrive, learn, and explore through play.

How has it been spreading?

The P-BLOT is widely used in primary schools across New Zealand to help educators implement child-centred practices. In 2024, we began pilot implementation projects in Adelaide, Australia, and in a school district in Saskatchewan, Canada, to expand its impact further. The P-BLOT has also been adapted for the Indian school context in partnership with Toybank, where it supports their Play Practitioner program, reaching over 405 teachers in Maharashtra. This collaboration empowers educators to integrate play pedagogy effectively, fostering joyful and meaningful learning experiences. The P-BLOT’s global reach highlights its effectiveness in bridging the gap between educational theory and everyday classroom practice in diverse educational settings focused on child-centred learning.

If I want to try it, what should I do?

If you’re interested in trying the P-BLOT visit www.pblot.com to explore more about the tool and discover how it can transform your play-based learning approach. You can also inquire about workshops or training sessions designed to help educators understand and implement the P-BLOT effectively. Training ensures you can use the tool confidently, maximising its impact on your teaching practice.

Implementation steps

Step 1: Engage in Foundational Training

Begin with a two-day foundational training session led by a certified P-BLOT facilitator. This training provides a comprehensive introduction to the tool, focusing on its structure, key components, and how it can be used to observe, reflect on, and enhance play-based, child-centred practices. During these sessions, educators will explore real-life examples, engage in hands-on activities, and learn how the P-BLOT aligns with current research on child-led learning.

Step 2: Participate in Supervision Sessions and Follow-Up Activities

Following the foundational training, educators take part in two supervision sessions and additional follow-up activities tailored to their specific teaching contexts. These sessions are designed to deepen understanding and ensure fidelity in the tool’s use. Teachers are encouraged to record their own classroom practices and engage in video reflections to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Inter-observer fidelity checks are also conducted to ensure consistent use of the P-BLOT.

Step 3: Establish an Observation System

With the guidance of the P-BLOT facilitator, schools develop a system for gathering observational data on teacher practices. This system is customised to fit the school’s unique environment. Teachers use the P-BLOT to document their observations during play-based learning sessions, capturing evidence of their interactions, strategies, and the learning environment. This step ensures that data collection is systematic and purposeful, providing a clear picture of current practices.

Step 4: Reflect and Set Practice Goals

Using the data collected through observations, educators identify specific areas for development and set targeted practice goals. These focus on enhancing the quality of play pedagogy by improving teacher-child interactions, refining the learning environment, or adjusting instructional strategies. Teachers use supplementary resources provided to create action plans that outline concrete steps to achieve their goals supplementary resources provided, ensuring a clear direction for improvement.

Step 5: Implement Action Plans and Monitor Progress

Educators begin implementing their action plans, using the P-BLOT as a continuous guide to inform their practice. Regular check-ins help monitor progress and provide ongoing support. Teachers are encouraged to collect new observational data to assess how their changes impact student learning and engagement. This cycle of observation, reflection, and action promotes continuous improvement and ensures that play-based pedagogy is consistently implemented to a high standard.

Step 6: Scale Up and Sustain the Practice

As educators gain confidence and skill in using the P-BLOT, the tool can be scaled up to involve more staff or be integrated into broader professional development initiatives. Continued support from P-BLOT facilitators helps sustain the high-quality use of play-based, child-centred practices. Schools can establish internal P-BLOT champions who guide ongoing implementation, ensuring the tool remains a central part of the school’s teaching culture.