This course helped me understand how important play can be in the classroom. When learning is playful, students become more curious, excited, and willing to try new things. Play helps students feel more connected to their learning and to each other. It can make lessons more fun and more meaningful.
I’ve learned that play isn’t just for Kindergarten. It can be a powerful tool in every grade of elementary school. When lessons include play—like acting things out, building things, working in groups, or using games—students are more engaged and interested. They remember more, take more risks, and enjoy the learning process.
Play also supports how children grow. It helps with social skills, independence, and learning how to solve problems. When teachers plan lessons with play in mind, they are meeting students where they are developmentally and helping them grow in many ways.
This course showed me that play doesn’t take away from learning—it adds to it. I’m excited to bring more play into my teaching, knowing it can help my students love learning and grow in both academics and life skills.
Thank you Sue, Michele and Yvonne for sharing your wisdom and supporting purposeful play experiences.