I Played...

Oftentimes teachers will say to me, "How did you know that?" or "How did you learn how to do that?" when sharing or showing them how to use a new app or technology tidbit.  I simply say, "I played."  

I enjoy playing around with apps to see how they could be used in a classroom setting. I don't know everything about the iPad or the best apps to use.  I just play.   

Why do we lose the urge "to play" as we get older?  We get set in our ways.  Tunnel vision sets in.  Life gets in the way.  

Think of all the life lessons you learned when playing as a kid.  I was that kid that learned the hard way about peeing on an electric fence.  I learned that you have to make sure that you land on the other haystack you are jumping to so you don't land like a sack of bricks when missing. Another valuable lesson I learned while playing with my Grandpa Al... NEVER play "52 Pick Up." 

Most importantly, I learned that I didn't always get what I wanted.  I had to be willing to compromise.  I learned that if I wanted to play my game, I had to be willing to play theirs too.  I learned how to share. I learned that life isn't fair.  

We learn(ed) so much from playing.  Take some time to play again.  Dig into those tools that you have been wanting to play with, but simply haven't found the time.  Trust me,  your students will love it.