Learning Through Play: The Effects of Play-Based Instruction on Literacy Development

Author

• Jherica Goodgame, University of Mississippi Main CampusFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-8-2026

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Education

First Advisor

Katie Naron

Second Advisor

Kristina Livingston

Third Advisor

Amanda Winburn

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

This thesis explores the role of play-based learning in early literacy development, emphasizing its impact on student engagement, executive functioning, and overall academic success. Drawing from research and personal experience, it argues that play is not separate from learning but a critical component of it. This thesis also highlights the benefits of play for diverse learners and examines the challenges teachers face in implementing play-based instruction. It provides numerous examples of play-based instruction practiced in a real classroom setting with 17 students who are varying from early kindergarten to late kindergarten levels. This thesis seeks to demonstrate the importance of shifting lower elementary and early childhood education to a play-based literacy approach and to examine the effects of this shift on the literacy development of young children.

Recommended Citation

Goodgame, Jherica, "Learning Through Play: The Effects of Play-Based Instruction on Literacy Development" (2026). Honors Theses. 3571.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3571

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.