Making Education Enjoyable: Three Strategies for Enriching Elementary Learning

Sometimes, school gets a bad rap. Kids talk about long days, boring lessons and too much homework, even in the early grade levels. But what if instead they came home talking about how much fun they had learning new things at school that day? The great news is, it is entirely possible to achieve this sort of satisfaction and make education enjoyable again!

Though kids want to play and have a good time at school, teachers have a long list of learning objectives they must structure their lesson plans around, so it can be difficult to achieve a balance befitting both. However, there are dozens of strategies that can be implemented for enriching elementary learning – with the bonus of making it enjoyable for students too.

Enrichment strategies can help bring classroom lessons to life, especially for elementary-aged students. They can improve critical thinking and creativity. They can create a more fulfilling, comprehensive learning experience for kids. And perhaps most importantly, they can expose students to new ideas and opportunities, while preparing them for future success.

Three Strategies for Enriching Elementary Learning

Though the benefits of enrichment strategies are as numerous and diverse as the students themselves, here are three ideas for your elementary school classroom:

1. “Kids’ Choice” awards
   Kids love to feel like they have a voice in the matter, regardless of the topic or situation, and many a seasoned parent will tell you that to fulfill this wish, you must simply present kids with a choice of options that would be acceptable, regardless of the child’s selection. This win-win strategy can work in the classroom too.

   For example, if you are covering a certain topic where some flexibility exists on how a student’s knowledge or understanding of the material is reviewed, award them the opportunity to choose the method. Kids who enjoy writing might opt to turn in a written report, while those who like to address the class can deliver a spoken presentation and those who excel at creating visual materials can prepare a slideshow. This fosters independence within the students and allows for them to deliver the assignment in a way that plays to their strengths and interests.

2. Curious minds
   Albert Einstein is quoted as saying, “The mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size.” A curious mind can lead to an eager learner, so if students have expressed an interest in a particular topic, teachers can encourage learning with enjoyable and enriching lessons to that end.

   Or perhaps students have asked a lot of questions during a certain lesson, or asked to learn more about the subject, and this can serve as a springboard for upcoming learning opportunities. This type of engagement can even go beyond the subject matter itself and spill over into the delivery method of your lessons, such as if students love when you speak in a different voice or use an accent when you teach (think British accent when teaching a proper grammar lesson or a grumpy monster voice while teaching the alphabet), or wear a costume that brings the lesson to life.

3. Full STEAM ahead
   Although it’s been a buzz term for quite some time, the importance of incorporating STEAM activities into the classroom cannot be understated. In this approach to learning, activities and lessons focus on science, technology, engineering, arts and math. The philosophy encourages students to think critically and creatively.

   Hands-on activities can be one of the best ways to engage kids and go full STEAM ahead with this learning strategy. Give students a chance to experiment, make mistakes and think (and color!) outside the box. Rather than teaching them a lesson from the front of the classroom, immerse them in it directly through building, acting, singing, feeling, baking, molding, crafting and growing instead!

Learn More About Making Education Enjoyable

Despite the occasional groans in protest, education really can be enjoyable for students. When you implement strategies and a plan that works for you and your students, the result can be a fun and engaging learning experience that’s truly enriching for your elementary school classroom.

At Raymond Geddes, we’re here to help educators achieve their classroom goals, including how to make education enjoyable for your students. Our free teaching resources are available for downloadables and activities that can be used in the classroom to enrich elementary learning. Contact us today or request a school supply catalog and learn more about the supplies and resources from Raymond Geddes.

 

With over 90 years of experience, GEDDES has an endless array of creative items and school supplies for elementary classrooms and beyond. Browse our blog for ideas and inspiration, and learn more about the supplies and resources available from Raymond Geddes.