Make It Fun

Day 4

A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. Proverbs 15:13 (ESV)

I vividly remember many activities from my elementary and middle school years. My first-grade teacher let us choose our favorite story from the year and make a pillow with something from that story on it. Different moms brought in sewing machines and we each went home with our own special pillow. I loved every second of that project. Other teachers incorporated goofy songs and silly games. Some teachers created interesting units on specific topics like fairy tale parodies, the Holocaust, and modern Shakespeare.

But there was one thing our elementary school did very well and that was enrichment. There was one designated person who visited every upper elementary classroom each week and brought a unique, fun activity that we all looked forward to. We learned about other countries, tried out instruments we’d never seen or heard, and made and played games we’d never known before.

Looking back, there was a key trait all these teachers possessed: excitement. Like we discussed on day one this week, the teacher plays a huge role in generating interest through genuine excitement. Dress the part, learn the language, play the game, practice the dance, manipulate the objects; whatever it takes to create a fun, exciting atmosphere, do it.

My second-year teaching, we celebrated an obscure holiday each day of the year. On National Sponge Cake Day, I brought in a cake for them to sample. On Johnny Appleseed Day, I invited a Johnny Appleseed look-a-like to share with my students. On National Candy Day, we made bar graphs using Skittles. We all had a great time that year and eagerly anticipated the next day’s holiday.

I think about Jesus in Mark 10 where the parents bring their children to Jesus. When the disciples scold the parents for disturbing Jesus, he gives a counter response and picks the children up into his arms. I can’t imagine Jesus holding a child and remaining stuffy. I’ve always pictured this scene filled with laughter and giggles, Jesus smiling and even tickling the kids on his knees. Jesus would have had fun with those kids.

As adults and teachers, we often struggle in the fun department. We get distracted by our “have to” list and neglect the ignition of genuine wonder and excitement in the lives of our students. None of us enjoy boring lectures, professional developments, or meetings. Nor do our kids want boredom. How can we bring fun, excitement, and newness into our classrooms on a regular basis? And how can we bring it into our own lives as well?

Do the Heart Work

1.      Make a mental list of the fun activities that you have engaged in with your students this year.

2.      If you think your subject is dull or boring, why have you reached that conclusion?

3.      Is your relationship with Jesus fun? Exciting? New?

Digging Deeper

Read these scriptures about happiness, gladness, and joy. Are you allowing God to make your heart glad?

1.      A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 (ESV)

2.      Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 (ESV)

3.      May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 (ESV)

4.      It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’” Luke 15:32 (ESV)

5.      This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 (ESV)

6.      My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed. Psalm 71:23 (ESV)

Pause for a moment, think of all he has done, and praise him. Plant a smile on your face and allow happiness in your heart. What are exciting truths from your walk with God?

If You Get Spare Time 

              What is something fun that you enjoy doing? Is this an activity that your students could learn to love? If not, what are some out-of-the-box activities that could create excitement, joy and gladness in the lives of your students? While you’re at it, imagine what it would be like to watch your students have fun while learning? What would it take to see the smiles on their face more often this year? Could you share some of God’s wonder with them?