Charlotte initiative focuses on learning through play

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A pilot program will bring play-based learning to kindergartens at seven Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools starting with the 2026-27 academic year.

Play-based learning is coming to Charlotte-Mecklenburg kindergartens.

The pilot initiative will start in the 2026-27 school year on seven campuses: Villa Heights, Eastover, River Gate, Elizabeth Traditional, Hawk Ridge, Lansdowne and Collinswood Language Academy. The schools will focus on “adding one hour of screen-free choice time into kindergarten classrooms during which teachers will guide students through play that aligns with their curriculum,” according to a media release.

According to Brightwheel, a childcare blog, play-based learning “embraces the innate curiosity and creativity of children to foster their development.” 

“It’s extremely beneficial,” said Mollie Auerbach, founder of K Needs Play. “There’s so many ways it supports children’s math skills, spatial awareness, it even supports their reading skills. I have always been an elementary educator,” Auerbach said. “In my time teaching kindergarten, first, and second grade, I saw how important it is for kids to have this time to play and have agency over their day.”

K Needs Play held a fundraiser for the initiative and train teachers over the summer and two companies – Crowder Construction and Brad Financial – donated $150,000.

“We do now have the funding to give to CMS to provide furniture and supplies to 31 different classrooms,” Auerbach said, adding she is “excited for the kindergarten students and the kindergarten teachers, because we sent out a big survey to parents and teachers, and they both said that students need this.”

The initiative has renewed Auerbach’s faith in other parts of the community that deserves attention as well.

“For me, it’s really restored my faith in democracy,” she said. “It’s just a sign that when there is a problem in the community and you can bring attention to it, people do want to work together to make the world better.”

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