This study is part of a dissertation which aims to explore and understand the role of play in the teaching-learning process at elementary level in a public school at Pernambuco, Brazil. We opted for a qualitative approach, using the interactive methodology, interviews by the technique of hermeneutic-dialectical circle, observations of science lessons and document analysis (lesson planning). Our sample consisted of five elementary teachers in the school. The results of the study showed that, in general, there was consistency between the didactic and practical teaching strategies used, with teachers placing value on the use of play as a tool to help the process of teaching and learning in science and enabling children to develop their knowledge and understanding of the world. Our observations noted the use of some interesting play strategies within the context of science lessons in the early years. However, some lesson plans proved somewhat insufficient due to lack of information about the play activities developed by our research subjects.