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The Play-Based Learning Observation Tool
(P-BLOT)™

A Practical Tool for Strengthening Learning Through Play

The P-BLOT™ is an observation and coaching tool designed to raise the quality and frequency of learning through play in classrooms. Built on research and practice-based coaching principles, it helps schools build teacher confidence, reflect on practice, and strengthen play pedagogy.

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Why the P-BLOT™?

Teachers know play is powerful—but balancing curriculum demands, evidencing learning, and embedding high-quality play practice can be challenging.

The P-BLOT™ helps by:

  • Making teaching practice visible

  • Identifying strengths and next steps

  • Supporting targeted professional learning

  • Protecting the role of play in busy, diverse classrooms

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How It Works

ObserveA trained coach or observer uses the P-BLOT™ to document how play is being facilitated and supported in your setting.
ReflectTeachers and leaders engage in reflective conversations based on the observation—celebrating strengths and identifying priorities for growth.
GrowThe data collected through the P-BLOT feeds directly into tailored professional learning pathways—ensuring support is responsive and relevant.
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What Makes the P-BLOT™ Different?

Designed by teachers, for teachers

Flexible - adaptable to any student year level or cultural context

Grounded in research and practice-based coaching

Strengths-based - focused on what's working, as well as what's next

Creates a shared language around quality play pedagogy

Trusted by Schools and Educators Across Aotearoa New Zealand and Beyond

“Testimonial text here from a real customer. Make it authentic and relevant to your audience"

Matthew Turner

“Testimonial text here from a real customer. Make it authentic and relevant to your audience"

Sarah Evans

“Testimonial text here from a real customer. Make it authentic and relevant to your audience"

“This is such an exciting opportunity to coach teachers for improvement and to influence the strategic direction of the school - that play is the pedagogical way to go!"

Ben Jones, Teacher, New Zealand

“I just want to let you know the huge impact the P-BLOT™ has had at our school already. As you know, we have had 'fence sitting' and confusion with play beyond year 3.  Having our DP attend the PLD with me meant everything clicked for her - and we had a staff meeting yesterday signaling the use of P-BLOT observations to guide the implementation of learning through play beyond year 3.  Thanks to the quantifiable nature of the P-BLOT™ we can move forward with our teachers."

Principal, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

"The P-BLOT™ allows me to work with educators to recognize their strengths and needs, set goals, and focus on doable actions to support the implementation of effective play-based learning practices. This is complex work! I am grateful to have found this tool and community and I am excited to continue learning alongside Dr. Sarah, the Longworth team, and our current group of play-responsive educators!"

Laura Adrian, Early Learning Facilitator, Holy Trinity Catholic School Division, Moose Jaw, SK

"I am SO excited that you will be returning to Moose Jaw! I hope it is an event that allows me to fill my vehicle with fellow teachers and come learn from you again. The workshop in Moose Jaw a few weeks ago was transformative for me and I would love to continue learning from you!"

Participant, Prairie South School District, SK

"Going deeper into play pedagogy with the P-BLOT™ has allowed me to explore ways to incorporate rich, meaningful play in my classroom (and outside my classroom!). The biggest benefit has been seeing students more fully engaged in learning and demonstrating skills outside of just those I am explicitly teaching."

Year 2 Teacher, Adelaide, South Australia

"Longworth Education played a crucial role in this journey by adapting their Play-Based Learning Observation Tool (P-BLOT)™ to suit the unique realities of the communities we serve. Sarah and her team invested significant time and effort into contextualizing the tool, ensuring it was culturally relevant and practical for our ground-level implementation. The adapted P-BLOT™ has become an essential component of our programme, helping us measure the effectiveness of play-based learning and track meaningful outcomes for the children and educators we work with."

Shweta Chari, Co-Founder – CEO | Ashoka Fellow, OpenTree Foundation, India

This training highlights the key components of a successful play-based classroom and provides accessible entry points for all educators to enhance their practice. The strength of this observation tool lies in its ongoing coaching, which systematically scaffolds growth and provides sustained, embedded support rather than a 'one and done approach'.

Lisa Pedersen-Skene, Comox Valley School District, BC, Canada

Partnering with Dr. Sarah Aiono and engaging with the P-BLOT™ framework has been nothing short of transformational for us at KEY Academy. Through the year-long training with Sarah, our learning group leads have not only strengthened their leadership skills, they’ve also gained a powerful lens through which to reflect on and refine their own teaching. The P-BLOT’s™ clear, research-based indicators gave us the language, structure, and direction we needed to assess how effectively we’re implementing project-based learning – and identify where we need to grow. It’s rare to find a professional development programme that is deeply rigorous, genuinely empowering, and culturally contextually relevant – but that’s exactly what Sarah and the Longworth Education team have created. We feel incredibly lucky to be learning from her.”

Damilola Okonkwo
Founder, KEY Academy, Nigeria

Want to explore how
the P-BLOT™ supports reflection on play practice?

Download our Teacher Self-Reflection Tool—a practical resource designed in teacher-friendly language to help you reflect on your own learning through play practice.

It offers insight into the key elements of quality play pedagogy without the formal training required to use the full P-BLOT™.

Download the Teacher Self-Reflection Tool

Integrating the
P-BLOT™ into Your Professional Learning

The P-BLOT™ isn’t a stand-alone checklist — it’s part of a professional learning journey.
Longworth Education uses the P-BLOT™ to shape targeted coaching, mentoring, and workshops that meet your team’s needs and context.

Explore our Professional Services

Ready to Start?

Start a conversation about how the P-BLOT™ can support your team.

  • Build teacher capability

  • Strengthen play pedagogy

  • Ensure evidence-informed practice across your school

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Longworth Education Ltd
A social enterprise supporting evidence-based teaching practice
New Zealand, Australia, Canada, India and Nigeria.
info@longwortheducation.co.nz
+64 22 417 1449

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