Joy
Learners experience positivity, warmth, and joy in school.
WELL-DEVELOPED LEARNERS
Are happy and joyful in their space
Evidence of Learner Behaviors
Learners seem content (based on observable behaviors) in their learning environments and feel ownership and/or safe in their space
Articulate ways they find this class or environment makes learning fun (e.g., game-based learning or challenges)
Questions to Ask Learners
How would you describe how you feel in this learning environment?
How do you feel about school?
Where do you find positivity, or good feelings, at school?
Feel celebrated
Evidence of Learner Behaviors
Celebrate a recent success in goal completion with peers, in small-group or whole-group formats
Visible recognition of an achievement
Questions to Ask Learners
When you accomplish something, how is it celebrated in your learning environment or learning community?
How does that make you feel?
Authentically engage with learning
Evidence of Learner Behaviors
Ask questions and express interest in continuing their learning at home beyond the task
Express voice and choice in learning tasks and experiences
Design their own learning task to demonstrate mastery
Questions to Ask Learners
How do you have a say in what kinds of learning tasks you do?
Do you often continue your own learning on a topic or task at home?
THE RESEARCH SHOWS
When learners are enthusiastic about the topics and approach to learning, they’re more likely to remember what they’re learning. Classroom activities that create joy help the brain store and recall important skills and knowledge, supporting the retention of concepts for learners.
MINDSETS
Creating lessons that are designed to stimulate and excite learner interest is an important opportunity to support the retention of knowledge and skills
Educator Actions
Learning facilitators promote joy among learners.
CSTPs: 1.3, 2.3, 2.6
QUICK WIN
Create ways to celebrate learners in their learning environment and with their families, as well. Create a growth wall that honors learners’ progress in programs like Lexia and iReady. Kagan structures create fun ways to have learners celebrate as a class.
Consider using other structures like the Remind app to carry those celebrations home!
LESSON-PLANNING AND DESIGN STRATEGIES
Celebrate learner efforts and accomplishments by showing off their work or publicly acknowledging their efforts (P/F)
Create an inviting, warm, and welcoming classroom space for all learners (P)
Incorporate meaningful choices for learners (P)
Incorporate challenges, play, and occasional low- or no-stakes competition aligned to learning objectives (P/F)
Ensure sufficient variety in activities (P)
Add mystery and suspense to learning activities (P/F)
Empower learners to create (P/F)
P = planned F = facilitated spontaneously
