Welcome to Playing is Learning! As a child, I loved games but hated school. Why did I hate school? I loved learning, but I was bored out of my mind. Because I was so bored, I could not focus. As the idea of becoming a teacher was presented to me, I always rejected it because I associated school with boredom. Then I saw a glimpse into a classroom that was fun and engaging. I thought, perhaps I could do this. Today, I mix learning with games and I not only capture my quick students, but also my challenging students. I eliminate distractions and reduce disruptive behavior because everyone is having fun paying attention!
Games are not just about having fun, but also training each child to believe in themselves. A child must first know they can succeed, before they will reach for success.
I now have students who are sad to not come to school, children rush into class ready for the next game(which in truth is a lesson), and know the material so well, because they are drilling and memorizing without even realizing it. One of my students recently even told me that she would rather be in class than at Disney World! One girl wanted to play one of my games at her birthday party—with the flash cards!
Making the change for the better...and for fun!
One of the beauties of these games is that I can incorporate different subject matter into them to keep each child challenged. When reviewing k and c blends with my kindergarten class, I would have students who could read without sounding out to students who could barely put two sounds together. On my board, I had blends ranging from CA to words like cat, and then to keep my quick students challenged, catch, and kitchen. Everyone is having fun, and everyone has their own skill level. In other games, I pair up students with similar abilities so they always have a chance to win. This encourages them to keep on trying rather than always feeling defeated!
I love to add silly twists and small rewards. We will have sheep in a field, and the fox is about to eat them, but we must race to rescue them. They are excited by the thrill of the challenge, but they are also now challenged to read quickly. With younger crowds, I will have an imaginary fox lurking that always seems a bit slower when the child is struggling, but is a little faster when I know a student does not need as much time. With an older crowd that can handle a little competition, I have a fox lurking in the corner. Some classes cannot handle competition, and I eliminate it, but when they can handle it, it helps everyone strive for the best.
I often reward winners with a Skittle or an M&M. The kids work so hard for this little treat in the middle of the day! Sometimes I reward everyone who was trying their best. I always put achievable rewards within their grasp. In my class, everyone knows that they have the ability to succeed.
So you see, my games are not just about having fun, but also training each child to believe in themselves. A child must first know they can succeed before they will reach for success. When they know they can achieve, they will run for it!
And now, I would like to share my many crazy ideas with you. Have some fun teaching and enjoy game time with me as we empower our children to enjoy learning!
It's Time to Play!
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