Reflection 

After incorporating more playful elements into my reading lessons, I can confidently say that my classroom now feels more liberated—a safe space where we can have fun while leading our learning. Mistakes can be made; they are embraced as opportunities for growth, both for myself and my students.

To create the right conditions for playful learning, one approach I focused on repeatedly was finding ways to increase student choice and input. I reflected on how my students were learning and how I could make the process more enjoyable, fostering their investment in their education. By allowing them to choose materials, they not only engaged in a fun experience but also approached their learning seriously and purposefully.

Empowering them to take charge of their learning through play and choice enabled them to become successful readers who were eager to learn more and disappointed when the group session ended. It also sparked their enthusiasm to return home and share their newfound knowledge and achievements with their families.