Anchorage School District
District
Play to Learn offers children opportunities to build essential kindergarten readiness skills through engaging, play-based learning experiences. This free Anchorage School District program works alongside families, educators, and community partners to support early learning and help children transition confidently into kindergarten. Play to Learn offerings include cohorts, library events, and community playgroup pop-ups.
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About Play to Learn Cohort (P2L)
Play to Learn Playgroups bring together preschool-aged children (not yet in kindergarten), their caregivers, an early childhood teacher, and a community resource specialist. Caregivers stay in the classroom with their child during each session, and siblings are welcome.
Weekly playgroups support families while helping children practice positive classroom behaviors in a structured, classroom-like setting. Caregivers can connect with one another and learn about local resources and age-appropriate activities to use at home.
What are the benefits of joining a P2L Cohort?
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Supports school readiness by offering age-appropriate activities in a classroom setting that helps children become familiar with routines, expectations, and group learning.
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Builds social connections for both children and caregivers, fostering friendships and a strong sense of community.
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Connects families to local resources and provides tools, information, and ideas to support learning at home.
How can my family participate?
Play to Learn Cohorts are a commitment. Families are expected to attend two 90-minute sessions per week for the full duration of their cohort.
To stay informed about upcoming cohorts, join our mailing list.
If a cohort schedule does not work for your family, we invite you to explore our other Play to Learn events listed below.
What happens each week?
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Educational, play-based learning activities
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Circle time to build classroom routines and social skills
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Time for caregivers to connect, share resources, and learn activity ideas
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Gross motor and sensory play opportunities
Interested in receiving upcoming information and events?
Quarter 4 Cohort
Quarter 4 cohort will prioritize 4-5 year olds starting kindergarten this fall (must turn 5 before September 1, 2026) but we will consider 3-4 year olds starting kindergarten in Fall 2027 (must turn 5 before September 1, 2027) if there is space available. Younger siblings are welcome to join!
When is it?
Time: 10:00-11:30am
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursday
3/24, 3/26, 3/31, 4/2, 4/7, 4/9, 4/14, 4/16, 4/21, 4/23, 4/28, 4/30
Location: Denali Montessori Elementary School.
Click here to learn more and register!
Join our mailing list to receive updates about future cohorts.
Current Events with Play to Learn:
Tuesdays at King Tech
This is a collaboration between Anchorage School District's Play to Learn and King Tech's Early Childhood Education programs. Join your child for a play session where they get to engage with high school students aspiring to be educators.
A Play to Learn educator will be at each session to share tips and tricks for home: creating routines and rituals, managing transitions, and navigating challenging behaviors with some of our fun make and take activities.
When and Where is it?
Every Tuesday (Closure days will follow ASD Calendar)
4:00-5:15pm at King Tech High School in the Preschool Classroom
Play to Learn at the Library
This event is a partnership between Anchorage School District and Anchorage Public Library. Staff from both teams will be at the activity stations and available to answer questions and support families with kindergarten readiness.
When and Where is it?
Saturdays from 11:00AM - 12:15PM
1/31/26 at Muldoon Library
2/13/26 at Mt. View Library (Friday)
3/21/26 at Eagle River Library
4/25/26 at Loussac Library
Craft + Story at The Workshop
This free activity is geared towards preschool children (ages 2-5) and their families. Hands-on craft projects led by ASD in partnership with The Workshop team.
Craft Class starts at 10:30 a.m. and story time starts at 11 a.m.
Story time is open to all ages and their families.
When and Where is it?
Every Friday from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
at The Workshop (in Huffman Square) 1120 Huffman Rd Ste 11
PLAY TO LEARN MISSION STATEMENT
Partner with families to support their child's successful transition to school by exposing children to resources and inclusive practices. We are committed to creating a community of connection between the home and the school family.
PLAY TO LEARN PARTNERSHIP
If you would like to host Pop-Up Playgroups at your location, let us bring the program to you! This can be a single event or regularly occurring playgroup depending on the needs of your group or program. If you are interested in hosting Pop-Up Playgroups at your location or have questions regarding Play to Learn, email a P2L Educator: June semmens_june@asdk12.org