U-46 to screen free documentary Tuesday on play-based kindergarten

Elgin Area School District U-46 will host a free screening of a documentary film exploring the advantages of play-based approaches to learning in kindergarten on Tuesday, Jan. 22.

The 30-minute presentation, titled "Kindergarten: Where Play and Learning Can Meet," was filmed partially at the district's Lincoln Elementary School in Hoffman Estates. It was produced by the Midwest Early Childhood Education Research Alliance at Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Midwest in collaboration with WTTW Channel 11.

It also features footage from Romeoville-based Valley View District U-365 and scientific findings about the cognitive and social-emotional benefits of play from academic researchers.

U-46 implemented a hands-on, inquiry-based kindergarten program in 2016 coinciding with the launch of full-day kindergarten for more than 2,500 students across 40 elementary schools and two early childhood centers.

In October, documentary crew members spent a day at Lincoln Elementary School interviewing kindergarten teachers Kristin Bayer and Leader Colleen Pecucci, and U-46 Early Learners Initiatives Director Peggy Ondera. They spent several hours in Bayer's kindergarten classroom, filming her interactions with students and interviewing a few kindergartners.

Since 2016, Ondera and other district leaders have been invited to share the details about U-46's kindergarten program at state and national conferences. The documentary was another means to spread the word.

"As a district, we are very proud of our play-based approach to kindergarten because we know that young children learn best through an active exploration of their environment," Ondera said. "Our kindergarten students are allowed the time to be young children and to develop their knowledge and physical, academic and social skills through play and appropriate activities."

Community members are invited to the screening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Elgin High School, 1200 Maroon Drive. RSVP at relmidwestwttwu46.eventbrite.com.

There will be a panel discussion with documentary participants, including Ondera, Bayer and Pecucci, after the screening.

The documentary will air on WTTW Prime at 10:30 p.m. Friday. A future airing date on WTTW Channel 11 will be scheduled this spring or fall.