Lessons in Learning #1: Have Fun
What Preschoolers Taught Me About Education
My most valuable experience as a learning designer came from working in one of Manhattan’s biggest and best preschools for over 12 years.
In 2008, I was the head teacher at the Village Chess Shop on Thompson St in Greenwich Village, NYC. The founder of this preschool called and asked if someone could teach chess to 3-5 year olds in her school of over 100 children.
I worked this job for over 12 years, and the lessons I learned from the teachers and students still guide me.
I'd like to share some lessons here, not just as teaching principles, but as insights for parents who want to nurture their children's love of learning.
Lesson 1: Have Fun
My first day was summer school.
I had the kids sit in a circle. Everyone introduced themselves by saying their name and favorite animal.
There were 15 kids, ages 3-5. Unfortunately, they fell into a trap, repeating one of the first 3 kids’ answers.
Pig, cow, dog. Dog, dog, pig. Cow, pig, dog. Etc.
I shared last. I wanted to break the cycle.
“My name is Tyler and my favorite animal is a giraffe because it’s taller than the other animals.”
A boy across the room responded without hesitation.
“Yeah? Giraffes aren’t taller than space.” The class erupted with laughter.
I looked to the classroom teacher, as if saying, ‘how do I respond to that?’
She laughed with the kids. Then I started laughing too, admiring the perfect logic of this child’s retort.
He was right. Giraffes are taller than pigs, cows, and dogs, but not taller than space.
That morning I learned my first lesson: Learning is fun.
This moment was remarkable not just for the humor, but for watching a child challenge an adult's assertion, think creatively, and express himself confidently.
When designing a learning experience, I remember: kids and learning are magic. Have fun. Enjoy it.
Seriously.
If I’m not having fun and smiling while teaching, designing, or planning, my product suffers. If I’m not having fun, something feels missing.
For parents, this means:
Celebrate your child’s unexpected answers.
Laugh and be silly during learning moments.
Trust that when your child is genuinely enjoying themselves, deep learning is happening.
Your enthusiasm is contagious – when you're having fun, your child is more likely to engage.
Research shows play-based learning leads to better retention, stronger problem-solving skills, and increased creativity. More importantly, it builds a lifetime love of learning.
Fun is important. It’s so important I made it a rule, my first one.