The Play Studio is a professional learning resource that helps early childhood educators practice the art of teaching through dramatic play. Through classroom videos and practical resources, it makes teachers’ pedagogical work in and around dramatic play visible, illustrating a repertoire of roles and strategies that support rich, purposeful play experiences. The Play Studio framework is grounded in the understanding that play is not separate from learning but rather a social and symbolic activity through which children develop new understandings and ways of thinking.
Guided dramatic play emphasizes the teacher’s intentional role in supporting children’s learning while preserving the defining characteristics of play, including child choice, intrinsic motivation, and imagination. Because guided play depends on responsive, in-the-moment pedagogical decisions, teachers benefit from a flexible repertoire of roles and strategies. The Play Studio framework identifies teacher roles and illustrates the strategies associated with each, including Co-Planner, Co-Player, Play Leader, Play Director, Catalyst for Reflection, and Co-Narrator. Understanding when and how to move among these roles helps teachers make thoughtful pedagogical decisions that enrich children’s play and deepen opportunities for thinking, communication, and learning.
In guided dramatic play, teachers support children throughout the play cycle: planning before play, interacting during play, and reflecting together afterward. Tap each video to see the cycle in action.
In guided dramatic play, teachers move between two stances: stepping inside the play as a participant, or guiding it from outside. Tap any role to explore it.
Plans the scenario with children, shaping roles, props, and storylines.
Joins the play by following the children’s lead from within the imaginary scenario (taking on an equal or subordinate role).
Guides and extends the play from within the imaginary scenario (taking on a predominant role).
Helps children reflect on, evaluate, and plan for future play.
Our materials are free to view and share for educational, non-commercial purposes. When referencing or reusing Play Studio for Teachers content, please use the appropriate APA citation.
Blank, J., & Lee, C. (2026). Play Studio for Teachers [Video learning library]. https://playstudioforteachers.org/
Blank, J., & Lee, C. (2026). Title of video [Video]. Play Studio for Teachers. URL
For individual videos, replace the placeholder text with the specific video title and URL.
Play Studio for Teachers materials may be shared and used for educational, non-commercial purposes with appropriate attribution. This includes sharing resources with colleagues, incorporating them into professional learning, and using them in teaching and teacher education. For any other use (including commercial use, adaptation, or redistribution), please contact us for permission.
Play Studio for Teachers is made possible through the generous support of the Caplan Foundation for Early Childhood. We are grateful for their commitment to advancing early childhood education and the power of play.
