Tools in the news: Learning through play in Tulsa classrooms

We happen to think that all Tools teachers and all Tools children are newsworthy. And 2 News Oklahoma agrees. We were delighted they wanted to feature our approach in Tulsa Public Schools, where Tools curriculum has been used since 2020. 

A big thank you to our seasoned Tools Preschool teachers, Jennifer Ladner at Lewis and Clark Elementary and Amanda Teague at Henry Zarrow International School, for opening their classroom doors for this feature. You’ll see Ms. Ladner and her preschoolers transform their classroom with a medical theme. Just wait until you see them in action role-playing in a doctor’s office, dentist, pharmacy, hospital gift shop and optometrist. Later, you’ll see Ms. Teague’s preschoolers with their pet vet theme role-playing in a pet store, doggie daycare, vet and adoption center and dog treat bakery. 

Sounds fun, right? That’s exactly why children get so deeply involved. With Tools, children are intrinsically motivated to learn. As in, they’re genuinely interested in and enjoying what they are doing, therefore they want to engage rather than being told to engage. They follow the inherent “rules” of the make-believe play while building their foundational academic skills like literacy, math and more. Meanwhile, they’re developing self-regulation.

News anchor Cori Duke hit the nail on the head by saying, “This imaginative play makes learning more relevant rather than isolating reading and math to a worksheet while sitting in a chair.” And in case you’re wondering, can children really learn while playing doctor and vet? The answer is a resounding yes. According to Duke, “both teachers say students have shown more interest in learning and already significantly enhanced their language skills.” Check out the full news story here.

“This imaginative play makes learning more relevant rather than isolating reading and math to a worksheet while sitting in a chair.” -Cori Duke, Anchor, 2 News Oklahoma 

“Both teachers say students have shown more interest in learning and already significantly enhanced their language skills.” -Cori Duke, Anchor, 2 News Oklahoma Anchor

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