Rediscover the Joy of Play—for You and Your Students

Do you remember the joy of play as a child? One magical summer, I spent hours building a treehouse with my brothers and friends, creating our own little world under a maple tree. It wasn’t just fun—it was transformative.

But as we grow up, play starts to feel “frivolous.” For our students, the pressures of academics and screen time have drastically reduced opportunities for unstructured play. And as educators, we often think, “Who has time for play with everything I have to do?”

The truth is, play is essential—not just for students but for educators too.

The Power of Play:

Research shows:

• Children today spend 50% less time outdoors than kids did 20 years ago. (Michigan State University)
• The average daily screen time for children has risen to 6.5 hours, replacing opportunities for free play. (The Anxious Generation)
• Time spent with friends in person has decreased significantly, contributing to feelings of loneliness and social isolation. (The Anxious Generation)

These statistics highlight the critical need to reintegrate unstructured, unsupervised play into children’s lives to support their mental and emotional well-being. But play isn’t just for children—it’s equally important for adults.

Why Adults Need Play Too:

As educators, we pour so much energy into our students that we often forget the joy and rejuvenation that play can bring to our own lives. Research shows that even small amounts of play:

• Improve mood and reduce stress.
• Boost creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Strengthen connections and relationships.

Bringing Play to Life—In Your Classroom and My Keynotes

In my book, Teach Happy: Small Steps to Big Joy, I share practical ways to bring the magic of play into your classroom and life, such as:

• Start the Day with a Dance Party: Energize your students while building a sense of community.
• Recess Reimagined: Join your students for a quick game of tag or hopscotch to connect with them.
• Fun Fridays for Staff: Replace routine meetings with activities like trivia games or team-building challenges to boost morale.

And it doesn’t stop there! During my keynotes, play is always at the heart of the experience, and it’s consistently the favorite part of the event.

Audience members are out of their seats—singing, dancing, and joining me on stage. Last year, one enthusiastic participant even flopped down and did the worm! These moments don’t just create laughter; they raise the energy of the entire room, foster connection, and remind us all of the joy that play can bring.

Ready to Rediscover the Joy of Play?

Play isn’t a distraction from learning—it’s a tool to enhance it. When we embrace play, we create more joyful classrooms, schools, and lives.
If you’re ready to bring this energy to your school and rediscover the magic of play, grab your copy of Teach Happy today. The normal price is $23.95, but for orders of 10 or more, you can get them for $15.00 each!

Or, if you’d like to bring me to your school or organization, you can book me here. My calendar is filling up fast!

Warmly,