A New Beginning

A week into the school year, this teacher is already tired. Adjusting back to the grind of a full day of five year olds takes time, but luckily for me, these same students who drain energy also recharge your batteries just as quickly.

At this stage of the year, many teachers allow for a some additional teambuilding time and “get to know you” activities. When the constraints and construction of the curriculum takes over, many of these more informal and entertaining activities go to the wayside. That is one reason why I choose more frequent and more emergent play sessions to be the opportunity for teambuilding and team-sustaining. And, these play sessions last throughout the year in both the indoor and outdoor classroom.

These play sessions allow me to see the kids in their element. I can learn so much more observing them in play, asking them about their activities, and occasionally even jumping right in. More often than not, they teach me more in play then I teach them in traditional instruction. When you are able to combine traditional instruction with possibilities of play, or when the students bring the goals of instruction and curricular standards into their play, it makes the learning that much sweeter.