The Power of Play and Inquiry-Based Learning in Kindergarten: A Look at Baker Demonstration School’s Approach to Early Literacy and Numeracy:
At Baker Demonstration School, the new year began with a powerful reminder of how young children learn through play. After the holiday break, Kindergarten Teacher, Ms. Sara Angres, introduced a simple cardboard bakery, which transformed into a dynamic learning environment, demonstrating the effectiveness of hands-on, inquiry-based learning in early childhood education. A Wonder Wall was also introduced, sparking expansive curiosity and an opportunity to engage in Baker’s inquiry-based curriculum.
The Joy of Learning Through Play
The Baker Bakery in a Kindergarten class.
Our Kindergarten students are encouraged to engage in rich, child-directed imaginary play, under the expert guidance of our teachers like Ms. Angres, who provide meaningful and thoughtful provocations and interdisciplinary learning. The introduction of a cardboard bakery did not just end with exploring the structure. It became a vibrant, interactive space for children to explore language, math, and social interaction. Some children take orders, others design the bakery, while others act as customers. This provides an opportunity to practice essential literacy skills, such as writing orders and creating money, all while building an understanding of mathematical concepts like counting and value. The children’s creativity also leads them to craft “coins” using tin foil and permanent markers—an inventive solution that not only demonstrates their problem-solving abilities but also their growing knowledge of shapes, size, and symbolism.
This kind of play-based learning is crucial for early childhood development. According to research by The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), young children develop key cognitive, social, and emotional skills through play. In the bakery example, the children weren’t just playing—they were learning. They were negotiating, following rules, communicating, and making sense of the world through their own experiences.
Building Early Literacy Skills Through Inquiry
We know that when children are encouraged to ask questions and seek answers, their vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills improve significantly. The act of wondering is closely tied to developing the metacognitive skills children need to understand the process of learning itself. When children discover how to learn, the world is their oyster! The foundational skills for the Baker Learner who can excel in high school, University and beyond begins even in our Early Childhood classrooms.
The introduction of the “Wonder Wall” exemplifies how Baker’s progressive approach nurtures inquiry-based learning. Students are encouraged to ask questions about the world around them—questions that may not have immediate answers but open up avenues for exploration and discovery. By inviting children to share their “wonders,” the teacher creates a culture of curiosity, where each child’s thoughts and ideas are valued.
Baker Kindergarten Students creating their Wonder Wall
Numeracy Through Real-World Application
In addition to literacy, the play around the bakery also facilitated the development of early numeracy skills. Counting coins, making change, and understanding the symbolic nature of money are all foundational mathematical concepts. The children didn’t just memorize numbers; they practiced numeracy in meaningful, real-world contexts. Early exposure to numeracy concepts through everyday activities can significantly improve children’s mathematical understanding later on. Simple, playful activities like counting out “money” or dividing up orders help children develop a conceptual understanding of number and quantity that goes beyond rote memorization.
Social-Emotional Development Through Collaborative Play
Finally, we cannot overlook the social and emotional benefits of play-based learning. As children collaborate in the bakery, they learn how to share ideas, negotiate roles, and navigate conflicts. These interactions build empathy, communication, and teamwork—skills that are essential for success both in and outside of school. The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University emphasizes that emotional and social development is crucial in the early years, as it lays the groundwork for future learning and mental health. Through playful collaboration, children at Baker Demonstration School are not just building math and literacy skills—they are building resilience, self-regulation, and a sense of belonging.
Why Inquiry-Based Learning Works
The start of the New Year at Baker Demonstration School has showcased the power of play and inquiry-based learning in kindergarten and early childhood education. By creating environments where children can engage with literacy and numeracy through hands-on experiences, Baker’s kindergarten students are building a strong foundation for lifelong learning. With the combination of progressive educational practices and the latest research on how young children learn best, it’s clear that Baker Demonstration School continues to lead the way in providing an innovative and research-backed approach to education. The excitement and curiosity that the children bring to their learning are a testament to the effectiveness of this approach—and we can’t wait to see where their “wonders” take them next!
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