Making Learning More Playful for Teens

While the value of play for pre-K and early elementary is well documented, it tends to trail off completely by the time students reach middle and high school. Playful activities are limited to serving as a reward or a break in the academics. But joyful, social, engaging activities offer just as much benefit to older students as they do for little ones, especially when they are connected to core content. In fact, bringing in elements of playful learning for teens into classrooms can help them learn more deeply—and make content more memorable. As teachers design their lessons, they can consider a few elements that bring more play into the curriculum while improving learning. 

For example, leaning in to teenagers’ developmental need for socializing can help them learn material more effectively. When lessons are structured in a way that give students a chance to work together and share their ideas with each other, whether in pairs or in a small group, they are more likely to remember them. 

It’s crucial to remember that rigor and joy are not mutually exclusive—combining the two in creative hands-on projects can help students to explore content in a way that is more engaging to them, especially if they find the work to be meaningful. Providing “the why” behind the learning is particularly impactful for teenagers, so they feel a greater sense of relevance and purpose. And if teachers can work in an authentic audience to whom students will ultimately present, all the better.

Iteration—or tinkering—is another element of play that can be enormously effective in the classroom. Giving students a chance to explore, test, and try again helps build resilience and confidence. And teachers should not give them all the answers. Figuring things out on their own is fun!

Finally, getting students out of their seats and on their feet is highly beneficial, so alternate activities that require quiet focus with opportunities to move—maybe even bringing class outside. Fresh air and a change of scenery is invigorating, and getting students up and moving activates their brains and improves their attention.

Most importantly, teachers should play along! That participation models a willingness to take a risk, demonstrate vulnerability, and have some fun—something students will remember for a long time to come. 

To find more ideas on making learning playful for teens, read Darcy Bakkegard’s article for Edutopia, “Reintroducing Playful Learning in High School,” or for more resources on playful learning at every age, see our collection, Making Learning More Playful.