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The Power of Play in the Classroom

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Learning Lab

ASCD Annual Content

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Session description

In this interactive session, you will gain a compelling rationale for integrating laughter and play into the classroom and experience activities that build relationships with and among students, reduce stress, help students learn and perform without your having to resort to bribes or threats, and create a joyful environment.

Outline

1. Welcome, Introduction, and Brief Overview (2 mins)
2. Humorous Attention-Getting device (1 min.)
3. 3 Rules of Education - Relationships! X3
- Large Group Activity - "That's Me" (4 mins)
4. Why Play? (5 min. mini-lecture)
- Partner's summarize and discuss (1 min.)
5. Different Ways of Playing:
a. Intellectual (with partners, then large group
discussion) - (5 mins)
- "Sequences"
- "Lateral Thinking Puzzles"
b. Drama (partners, then large group discussion)
(10 mins.)
- "Peas and Carrots"
- "Walk this Way"
- "Take a Seat"
c. Physical Games (15 mins)
- "Do You Know Your Neighbors"
- "Group Juggle"
d. Just Fun and Games (15 mins)
- "Electric Eyes"
- "Hagoo"
6. Conclusion (2 mins)
Partners reflect and discuss implementation.

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Supporting research

1. The Classroom of Choice: 100+ Strategies to Reach and Teach Every Learner, 2nd edition (ASCD, 2024) - Jonathan Erwin. The book's introduction and chapter 7 offer research-based support for the contents of this workshop.
2. Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life - Peter Grey.

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Presenters

Jonathan Erwin

Director

Western NY Teacher Center

Session specifications

Topic:

Classroom Culture and Management

TLP:

Yes

Grade level:

PK-12

Audience:

School Level Leadership, Teacher Development, Teacher

Attendee devices:

Devices not needed

TLPs:

Cultivate Belonging, Connect learning to learner

Influencer Disclosure:

This session includes a presenter that indicated a “material connection” to a brand that includes a personal, family or employment relationship, or a financial relationship. See individual speaker menu for disclosure information.