Why should learning be fun in a K-2 classroom?
Before I answer that question, I want to first thank you for reading my very first blog post!
Honestly, I don’t know what I am doing when it comes to writing a blog.
My goal is to create a website that is truly beneficial for Kindergarten, first and second-grade teachers.
Ok, let’s get to the serious question. Why should learning be fun or in other words, why is it important to have fun while learning?
Student Success is More Likely When Students Enjoy School
As an educator with 30 years of experience, I believe that students will be more successful if they enjoy school and are having fun while learning.
For administrators and school board members, success may mean mastering all required grade-level standards and performing well on state assessments.
For the dedicated educators I know, success means infusing students with a desire to become lifelong learners.
However you measure success, it is more likely if students enjoy school.
Here is why this statement is true:
Students are more likely to actively participate in learning
When students are enjoying the process of learning, they are more likely to focus on the task at hand, retain information, and actively participate.
Students are more likely to take risks with learning
When students are having fun with learning, they are more likely to take risks with learning and really push themselves to expand their thinking.
Students are more likely to love school
When students are having fun with learning, they are more likely to love school.
Let’s face it, if a K-2 student develops hate for school, well, that poor kid has many years of misery ahead of him or her.
What do K-2 Educators Want?
We want our students engaged and actively participating in learning. We want them to find what they are learning to be meaningful and relevant. We want them to become successful, thriving students.
I think as K-2 educators, we have a unique pressure to not only provide a strong learning foundation but to also provide a strong love for learning foundation.
Let’s work together to create fun, effective, and easy-to-implement learning experiences that will make learning fun for our young students.