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Let the Children Play at School

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” — Fred Rogers

I recently had the privilege of representing Ohio County Schools at the West Virginia Teacher of the Year gala in Charleston.

I was fortunate to meet amazing teachers from all over our great state, and it was truly my pleasure to celebrate with Jada Reeves from Raleigh County as she was announced the West Virginia Teacher of the Year. It was a joy to listen to Ms. Reeves speak about her students and her classroom, as she clearly loves her role as a fifth-grade teacher at Braxton Elementary.

What impressed me most about Ms. Reeves, though, was her emphasis on incorporating fun into the curriculum. She talked a lot about how excitement was contagious and how her goal in life is to bring energy and fun to whatever she is doing.

As a kindergarten teacher, I understand that it is my job to create a fun learning environment for my students. The National Association for the Education of Young Children clearly states in their top 10 signs of a good kindergarten classroom that “children should have long periods of time to play and explore.”

I completely agree. It is developmentally appropriate for children to play, so my students play. We play educational games, sing songs, explore and experiment. We act out stories and use different voices to make our characters come to life. We dance and “Go Noodle.” We write with shaving cream, Play-Doh, paint, Wikki sticks, magic boards and dry-erase boards. We build with different kinds of blocks, pretend play, create art and solve puzzles. We have so much fun learning!

As students move through the grades, however, fun tends to get pushed to the back burner. It becomes something that happens at the end of the day on Friday or at a nine-weeks reward. I understand that there is intense pressure to do well on “the test.” I have taught second, third, fourth and fifth grades in the past. I have lived that stress.

Teachers are accountable for covering an incredible amount of information. However, the grade we teach and the expectations placed upon us do not change the fact that our students are children. And, children want and need to have fun. Our students should look forward to coming to school.

Friends, I know that this kind of teaching requires more effort. It is so very worth it, though, and I applaud Ms. Reeves’ desire and willingness to provide fun daily for her older students in Raleigh County. I hope all West Virginia teachers will be inspired by her energy and enthusiasm. I know I am.

Suzanne Miller is the 2018-2019 Ohio County Schools Teacher of the Year. She is a kindergarten teacher at Ritchie Elementary School. She formerly taught at Madison Elementary School, Woodsdale Elementary School and Warwood School.

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