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Play in the Classroom

Bring Play To Your City

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Supporting playful teachers
August 25, 2010

After a summer of playing at camps or home, it’s time for children to prepare for school. How can we ensure children continue to have playful days? Try these tips to help make every school day playful.


Support teachers in building a positive team environment in your child’s classroom. Check out the Ice Breakers and Cooperative Games sections of our Playbook. Ice Breaker games help students to learn names and more about about their classmates. Cooperative games are a great way to build a fun, team environment in the classroom. Volunteer to lead a game in the classroom or provide ideas for others lead.

If the school will allow it, observe your child’s class in action. Is the room colorful? Does the teacher tell stories or jokes? Some teachers use fun attention-getters, such as: saying “zip. zip. zap.” so students respond “we’re all that.”  Other activities can make transitions smoother and more fun, such a game of Simon Says allowing the students who make a mistake to get in line for the next activity. Volunteer in the classroom to help out. Check out the Inside Games and Minute Movers section of the Playbook for quick energizer games.

Some teachers provide earned free time weekly or even daily. This can be a great motivator for students and a excellent way for teachers and students to relax during busy weeks. Find out what games or activities are available to the children during this time? Is free time inside or outside? Talk to the teacher about donating new materials, balls or board games for these times.

Does your child have weekly Physical Education class or other extracurricular activities? These classes may be the most playful part of a student’s day. Excellent teachers provide a great hands-on learning experience that often becomes students’ favorite part of the week.

What do you do to support a playful school environment?