The message these days has been loud and clear. Kids need to play more. They need to be in the mud, woods, waters, playgrounds, fields, gyms, and classrooms with the ability to explore and play. This play develops skills they need to succeed in life. They will learn collaboration, creative thinking, social cues, how to deal with conflict, they will use their imaginations, develop physical skills and have a great time along the way.

So why do so many schools have a problem with play?

I find myself fighting an uphill battle with my school and play. The playground has undergone a $35 000 renovation with a brand new play structure built this year. However, if it has rained or is damp the students are not allowed on it. They are not allowed to toss a ball off the brick wall for catch or other ball games, and throwing a football has been outlawed, and if they could, soccer would be out too. There are big beautiful fields that are quick to be called "off limits" just in case someone might get wet or dirty. Duties (or playground supervisors) tell students where they may play on any given day. There are so many rules that students are just as happy, sometimes happier, to come inside at the end of recess, or not go out at all.

If you want to find a contributing factor to kids not wanting to go out and play at home, don't blame technology, blame schools that don't allow them to build these play skills and find a love for outdoor play. We need to be encouraging students to run, jump, balance, and get hurt. Now I am not hoping for an injuries, I just understand that it is a natural consequence of some play. That does not make it bad, or need to be banned. A little injury can help set boundaries for kids or let them know that they need to do something different next time.

Schools need to take the bubble wrap off the playground and the students, and take a stand that lets parents know that play is welcome and encouraged here, and that their children may get a bit dirty from time to time. Injuries will happen no matter how many rules are in place. After all, they still sell bathtubs, and those things are the cause of countless injuries!

We need to expand the play idea into classrooms, and see educational discovery and play as good things. Students also need the opportunity to have free play and be kids. There will be enough time to sit at a desk all day later in life. 

Movements like Global School Play Day have helped bring these issues to light, but more is needed. Research is coming fast and furious, but schools are slow to adapt and change. Scared to "lose" valuable instructional time to drill curriculum into students, without realizing that students are building skills and learning academically through play.

Play can look different depending on the surroundings and that is good. We can play with technology to build a robot, program a computer or design wearable tech. We can play with writing, as we dive hands on into a topic before sharing thoughts, predictions, observations and stories about it. We can play with math, creating games the teach and reinforce skills. We can add gamification to our classes to draw in students, help with engagement and discipline. We can play freely with student created games, rules, and fun.

Students need this play, they need the skills developed through it. We as educators, parents, and stakeholders need to be on board with this. If you are in doubt about the value of play in or out of the classroom come visit me. My class loves to play, and we are learning more then ever!

I have been reading lots about "Pirate" education lately. Being a Pirate Teacher is all about being student-centered, creative, taking risks, and enjoying what you do and who you are. It has been life changing. If you have not heard of them or seen them, check out the Pirate crew, led by Dave Burgess, author of "Teach Like a Pirate", Paul Solarz, author of "Learn Like a Pirate", and joining the crew is Michael Matera, author of "eXplore Like a Pirate". They are awesome people who have written awesome books, that will light a fire under you and have you swashbuckling in no time!

Along the journey to being a Pirate I have debated about the use of Grades in school. Early in my career I would use Grades as the Carrot to get students working and on task, and also as the whip to accomplish the same goals. Now as I have re-evaluated my instruction, philosophies, and understanding of 21st Century Teaching and Learning, I feel that Grades should be eliminated from Elementary school. I even think that Middle and High Schools need a complete re-vamping on how they value Grades and give them out.

I have started to lead my students away from the mentality of knowing things so you can answer a question on a test. We are developing knowledge and skills that make us better people, better learners, and in turn, give us the skills to answer the questions on the tests, or find someone who can help us. Because in the end, that is what really matters. How many jobs are out there that you must work alone, without sharing ideas, thoughts, and information?

We need to do a better job at instilling the right values in our students, and teaching parents that Grades are not the be all and end all they once were. That asking a great question, can very often be more valuable then the answer. Students should want to do the work you put before them in class because it is interesting, relevant, and meaningful to them. Not because they will fail or get a low Grade because of it. 

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