This Sunday I had the opportunity to observe Chloe and her Year 2 Maths and English student Emily. This session was highly valuable to observe as I learnt immensely about the importance of integrating educational games in order to enhance learning. Chloe and Emily engaged in addition worksheets, to which Emily responded well, but I noticed that her engagement and enthusiasm increased significantly when Chloe introduced a maths-based educational game. Chloe’s interplay of education and play was a very effective approach for the lesson as it minimised distraction in an engaging way.

Additionally, what also was really valuable was the ability for Chloe to read the dynamics of the lesson. Chloe understood when concentration was at its peak and then how to accommodate her lesson to fluctuating concentration levels. Whether this was through adding small breaks or switching different ways to explain addition, Chloe was able to adapt the environment of the lesson to her students’ needs.

Observing this session highlighted the importance of using interactive and dynamic techniques to support her students’ academic growth and learning. Educational games not only make learning more enjoyable but also foster engagement, critical thinking, and confidence. Chloe’s teaching approach conveyed to me that when students are given the opportunity to learn in a dynamic and fun environment, they are more likely to retain information and develop a positive attitude toward learning. This in turn, minimised her students’ disengagement and shifted her perspective to view learning as a fun activity, engaged within a supportive environment.

Jessica Ciappara