Shows teachers how and why they should bring play into the classroom to make learning meaningful, relevant, and fun.

Research studies show that all students—young and old, rich and poor, urban and rural—benefit immensely from classrooms filled with art, creativity, and laughter. Fun, playfulness, creative thinking, and individual expression reinforce positive experiences, which in turn lead to more engaged students, better classroom environments, and successful learning outcomes. Designed for K-12 educators, The Playful Classroom describes how teachers can develop a playful mindset for giving students meaningful, relevant and fun learning experiences. This unique real-world guide provides you with everything you need to incorporate engaging, hands-on lessons and creative activities, regardless of the level and subject you teach. 

Building on contemporary and seminal works on learning theory and play pedagogy, the authors explain how to inspire your students by bringing play. into your classroom. This clear, user-friendly guide supplies practical strategies and effective solutions for adding the missing ingredients to your classroom culture. Access to the authors’ companion website provides videos, learning experiences, and downloadable teaching and learning resources. Packed with relatable humor, proven methods, and valuable insights, this book enables you to:

• Provide meaningful experiences that will benefit students both in school and later in life 
• Combine the principles of PLAY with traditional curricula to encourage creative learning
• Promote trust, collaboration, and growth in students
• Develop a playful mindset for bringing the arts into every lesson
• Foster critical thinking in any school community

The Playful Classroom:  The Power of Play for All Ages is a must-have resource for K-12 educators, higher education professionals, and readers looking for education-based professional development and training resources.

JED DEARYBURY, is an educational leader and award-winning teacher of grades 1, 2, 3 and higher education in teacher preparation programs. He was featured in GQ Magazine as Male Leader of the Year, he won the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, and he was a top 5 finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year.

JULIE JONES, has experience teaching 4th through 12th grades and is currently an Associate Professor at Converse College in K-6 teacher education. She regularly conducts research on educational technology and pedagogy with a mix of creativity and play.

About the Authors

Acknowledgments

Introduction

In order for the PLAYFUL Classroom to become a reality, there are some foundational beliefs that always matter.

Section 1: THE CASE FOR PLAY: page XXX

Play designs the future. Trains, planes, and automobiles of today were the kids’ cardboard creations of yesterday.

Section 2: PLAY INSPIRES CREATIVITY: page XXX

Creativity inspires play

Remember when you needed a tent, but had no tent? You found chairs and blankets and made one. You played and solved a problem through critical thinking using the materials you had.

Section 3: PLAY BUILDS TRUST: page XXX

Trust builds opportunities for play

We must trust students, parents, colleagues, administration., and ourselves If we constantly doubt one another’s abilities, motives, judgements, & qualifications, how can we move forward together?

Section 4: PLAY STRENGTHENS RELATIONSHIPS: page XXX

Relationships are strengthened through play

Our students are humans before they get to us, and they’re still humans when they leave. It will do us well to remember that fact more than their test scores, data, and grades.

Section 5: PLAY CULTIVATES COMMUNITY: page XXX

Communities are strengthened when we play

We live and interact with others—locally, regionally, and globally. Play helps us shape a mindset of advocacy, awareness, sensitivity, and compassion for all.

Section 6: PLAY NURTURES GROWTH: page XXX

Growth shapes our play

We can always be better. Play helps us to grow.

Section 7: GET OUT THERE AND PLAY!: page XXX

Appendix A: Southernisms and Their Meanings

Appendix B: The Playful Classroom Teacher’s Reading Guide