FUN
Reflecting on Fun.pdfI want to do something that makes me feel relaxed, that brings me pleasure – just because it feels good!
Fun is engaging in an activity, with or without a goal in mind, because you enjoy doing it. To know if you’re having fun (because some of us may need a refresher), take a moment to notice how you feel when you’re doing an activity, or thinking about doing it. Are you smiling, feeling joyful or relaxed, laughing, losing track of time? That’s fun!
This Hooray for Monday blog post by Aleta Margolis explores the importance of fun.
You can fill out the reflection sheet below and be emailed a copy of your responses, or you can download this printable version to write on by hand.
4 Ways to Find Fun
See what happens if you start class with a joke of the day. Set parameters so students can find and bring their own jokes to share.
If you teach children, you're older than your students which means your idea of fun and theirs may not be the same. With your class, brainstorm a list of things that are fun to do and see which items on their list can be added to your instruction.
Plan a secret fun surprise and launch it "spontaneously" when students least expect it. What might that surprise entail? How about, a walk around the block, an in-class dance party, an affirmation writing break, an art-making extravaganza, or a chance to play board games? These kinds of activities can provide a break for you and your students as well as a chance to build relationships and strengthen community through play.
Put students in charge of "Fun Fridays" where small groups are responsible for planning a fun activity for a specified period of time each Friday. This gives students some say in what happens in class and builds their "fun finding" muscles.
Articles on Fun in Learning
Want to Have Fun in the Classroom? Try Learning Games
EdWeek by Larry Ferlazzo
The Neuroscience of Joyful Education
Educational Leadership by Judy Willis
10 Things Every Parent (and teacher!) Should Know about Play
National Association for the Education of Young Children by Laurel Bongiorno
