Beginning Researcher

I am beginning my journey as a researcher.  The idea of this is quite frightening.  I have never been one for research, but I have found through this journey that I am missing out on powerful information.  I have chosen to research how play in school classrooms is being under utilized. My experience with play in Kindergarten has been very positive, however I can see that there is a shift coming.  With the higher expectations of our students with the Common Core standards we must cling tightly to play.  It will be very easy to let it slip into the category of "there just isn't enough time". I also feel that many students come to us lacking their social development and need play in order to practice valuable character traits and cooperation skills.  Also I would like to find out if there is a correlation between lower socioeconomic background students and the importance of play for them to be successful.  I think that if we really think about it's importance then we can convenience the power at be that it is worth fighting to keep.  It's benefits far out way the cost of time.

I have found that completing the simulation charts has really helped me to gain understanding of how to read and use research.  I think that the hardest part is activating my vocabulary, because I haven't used some of those words in a long time. :) With practice research won't be so scary. 

Does anyone know of some good resources for play research?  I am looking to prove that even though we must follow the Common Core Standards we can make it work.  We as educators can find a way to still keep play, but be accountable to our standards.  

I am looking forward to seeing what everyone else is going to be researching.