Never, EVER, underestimate the importance of having fun!

Did you know that your child spends 1,274 hours at school each year? They spend more time (awake) with their peers and teachers than they do at home. While we are all well aware of the importance of education, I think we often overlook the importance of having fun. Taking that a step further, we also tend to separate the two: education and fun. We have this ingrained belief that school isn’t fun. I wholeheartedly disagree...school can be rigorous and fun simultaneously. I believe that we absolutely can incorporate fun into the classroom and lessons, so our students and teachers experience the joy of having fun throughout their day. Now, I know this school year can look different at times. I still wholeheartedly believe that we can still instill fun into our classrooms.

I had the most amazing conversation with a teacher last week. During our time together, I was asking her how she thought the year was going thus far. As she was sitting silently reflecting for a minute, her response was so simple, yet so powerful. With a big smile on her face, she said, “I am having so much fun this year”. We spent the next 20 minutes talking about how her classes have been so incredibly fun. Her joy was contagious, and she confirmed what I believe...school can be FUN.

Teachers understand the importance of incorporating fun into their classrooms now more than ever. They are intentionally building units and lessons that foster curiosity, student voice and choice which increase engagement. Having fun and interactive learning improves learning and creates a positive attitude toward learning. But why does this happen? Why does having fun, enjoyment, engagement, curiosity, and liveliness improve the learning experience? And more generally, why does a good mood enhance our ability to learn? Here is what we do know. Incorporating fun into classroom learning reduces the rigidity of the curriculum which allows for more student-autonomy. It gives a sense of agency to the students. We have an innate need for growth which comes easily if there is autonomy, relatability, and a sense of competence. Fun and play allows for students to maximize all three.

In the Visual Arts Pathway students were working on how they can represent themselves without using words. In their project, students created a 3D letter (first letter of their name) and designed it in a way that represents them. They then presented it to the class in a group critique. This project was an introduction to many skills we will be building upon throughout the year such as craftsmanship, writing artist statements, giving and receiving feedback, public speaking, brainstorming, measuring and fine motor skills, etc.

The Computer Science Pathway is trying to answer the question, "How can we create an algorithm to complete a complex task"? Students coded instructions to the Sphero learning robots and sent them off to complete a multi-stepped maze. Additionally, students will be provided with maps of the United States and will be tasked to create a "Road Trip" where the Spheros will be coded to travel to different destinations based on the student's interests.

As we continue to navigate our way through this unique year we will ensure that we are intentional about ensuring that our students are having fun while they are at school. Once again thank you for your support and trusting us with your precious children.

يرجي

ك يم

314.645.9600 (607)~kwright@premiercharterschool.org

COVID POLICY UPDATE:

As we continue to move through another year with COVID-19 we are constantly reviewing data and guidance around how to handle the nuances of keeping the spread at bay. Right now we are finishing up language to propose a modified quarantine plan to our policy for board approval. We anticipate that it will be reviewed and hopefully approved in the next 24-48 hours. We know that there is frustration for those families who have already been impacted with quarantines and we understand how this does not seem sustainable for the entire year ahead. It is our intent to add the modified quarantine option to the standard quarantine process so we have more flexibility when it is safe to do so. We will push out the updated plan once we have formal approval from the board. We appreciate your continued partnership on keeping our environment a safe and healthy place for our kids and staff!

FALL BOARD EVENT:

Join us on October 14th from 6:30-8:00 in the courtyard. This will be an opportunity to meet and chat with some of the board members of PCS as we kick off the fall season. We will aim to keep this a covid friendly outside event- with a fire pit and some light appetizers for your enjoyment! Please RSVP to events@premiercharterschool if you plan to attend. This will help us get an idea of numbers for the food. Thanks!

Kim Wright M.Ed, LPC, RPT
Premier Charter SchoolMiddle School Principal kwright@premiercharterschool.org