Play in the Classroom and a Math Freebie

I can't tell you how many times I have heard fellow teachers say, "School doesn't always have to be fun."

I wholeheartedly disagree with that statement.  I ask these teachers if they learn better when they are bored and uninterested or when they are engaged and having "fun".  

Here are a couple great articles on the importance of play.

 Kindergartens Ringing the Bell for Play Inside the Classroom

Focus On Play In Kindergarten May Improve Grades Later On, Study Says

I found these awesome center signs that state the skills students are learning while they are playing and having "FUN"!  I will hang these at each center, so when someone asks, I can easily answer what the child is learning.  These are by Jennifer at Herding Kats in Kindergarten. Click the picture below to check them out on TpT.

I love to create games for my students to add to our fun! I made these games for math and they are FREE! You can click the picture to get them from my TpT store.  These can be used all year long in centers or for fast finishers.

I also use brain breaks for fun.  GoNoodle and YouTube are my favorite sites for breaks in the classroom.  Here is the lower elementary doing the Cha-Cha Slide I believe.

I believe any lesson can be made fun by turning it into a game, hands-on activity, partner activity, etc.

It just takes a little more effort! 

Are you allowed to "play" in your classroom? How do you make sure your students are having FUN? I'd love to hear your ideas!