"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood." Fred Rogers
Many think play is only necessary for elementary students, but in reality, all kids need fun. My students are emotionally struggling with the impact of Covid-19. I asked them what they thought the biggest problem was facing teenagers today, and over half said mental health issues. If I can help them enjoy learning, so it feels less like a chore and more like play, it may take some of the burden off of them.
I have requested Legos and PlayDoh. These will have various uses in my classroom, one of which is the following: Students will be in groups, each having a set of Legos and/or PlayDoh. They will be asked to create a model of the most important setting in the book we are reading. They are to include the details that make the setting crucial. They will then annotate the model to explain their design. This allows students an element of play, but still addresses the standards we're learning about.
I've also asked for Jenga sets. The Jenga set will have numbers written on each block. Students will pull out a block and answer the corresponding review question. Again, this allows for an element of fun while still learning and reviewing concepts.
The whiteboards allow for every student to be engaged in a review exercise. I plan to keep a whiteboard at each desk, allowing for students to respond.
The Easter eggs, bean bags, puzzles, and other items are also for review activities.
About my class
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood." Fred Rogers
Many think play is only necessary for elementary students, but in reality, all kids need fun. My students are emotionally struggling with the impact of Covid-19. I asked them what they thought the biggest problem was facing teenagers today, and over half said mental health issues. If I can help them enjoy learning, so it feels less like a chore and more like play, it may take some of the burden off of them.
I have requested Legos and PlayDoh. These will have various uses in my classroom, one of which is the following: Students will be in groups, each having a set of Legos and/or PlayDoh. They will be asked to create a model of the most important setting in the book we are reading. They are to include the details that make the setting crucial. They will then annotate the model to explain their design. This allows students an element of play, but still addresses the standards we're learning about.
I've also asked for Jenga sets. The Jenga set will have numbers written on each block. Students will pull out a block and answer the corresponding review question. Again, this allows for an element of fun while still learning and reviewing concepts.
The whiteboards allow for every student to be engaged in a review exercise. I plan to keep a whiteboard at each desk, allowing for students to respond.
The Easter eggs, bean bags, puzzles, and other items are also for review activities.
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