November

Assignment 2: November 12, 2024 

Assignment: What does playful learning look like and feel like in your classroom? To produce the conditions for playful learning, what is one thing that you tried (and tried again)? How did it go? What did you learn? 

In LRC, between Wilson and other systematic reading systems, the learning can become stale and predictable. A big focus of my practice has been how to get my students excited and passionate about the work we do. As a previous Kindergarten teacher, I know that play is a big part of that. Since I teach all grades between Kindergarten and Fifth Grade what it looks like and how the experience is in the classroom changes. 

Throughout a lot of my practice we play quick games (last no more than 5 minutes) that reinforce the work we are doing in class. Some times this includes roll and read games (decodable words or phrases), scavenger hunts that end in a decodable messages, connect four games with words, and "pop" style games in thematic bins like cauldrons. 

Recently, I have challenged myself to make writing more playful. During a descriptive lesson, students were asked to explore pop rocks, after parent permission, to write an essay. They tapped into their senses and really got into their descriptions. They also loved playing mystery bag games where they had to use descriptive words to get their partner to figure out what was in their bag without saying the word.

So far I've really loved the challenge or making creative playful lessons. I have found that students are more engaged and can retain the information better. Students have often asked for certain games and lessons again, which is always a great feeling. 

Maddy, you always do such a great job coming up with fun games for the kids where it makes learning fun! I also love how you costumize them to match a theme around the month you are teaching! They are lucky to be with you - Lindsay