Learning In a Fun Way

by : Ms Irma

Learning is a complex concept and activity to gain knowledge of, or skill in, something through study, teaching, instruction or experience (Pritchard, 2009).  Most teachers and pupils would recognize the importance of the social and emotional elements of learning, in addition to cognitive aspects of learning, thinking and problem solving. Learning is often seen as a serious process, but for young children in primary school, lessons are most effective when they are enjoyable. At this stage, students learn best through experiences that are playful, creative, and engaging. Making learning fun does not mean less learning; in fact, research shows that playful and enjoyable activities improve both academic performance and personal development. Teachers play a key role in making lessons fun. According to a systematic review by Pöysä-Tarhonen et al. (2023), effective playful learning in primary schools requires teachers to act as planners, facilitators, co-players, and assessors. This balance ensures that fun activities are both enjoyable and educational.

Why learning in a fun way matters :

1. Boosts motivation and engagement

Children are naturally curious. Fun learning activities such as games, role play, and interactive storytelling capture their attention and encourage participation. Studies have shown that gamification and playful activities increase students’ enthusiasm and motivation in class (Zhang, 2023).

2. Improves academic achievement

When students enjoy the process, they tend to retain information longer. Research in Malaysia found that gamification (e.g., using Kahoot! or Quizizz) improved students’ understanding and performance in various subjects (Ismail & Ahmad, 2018).

3. Supports social and emotional growth

Playful learning not only strengthens academic skills but also nurtures teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. A LEGO Foundation and ACER study concluded that learning through play builds creativity, emotional resilience, and collaboration (ACER, 2020).

4. Increases happiness in school

Fun learning creates positive classroom environments. A study in Turkey found that students who enjoyed fun-based activities felt happier and more excited about school (Yildirim, 2021).

Examples of fun learning in Primary Schools : 

1. Games and quizzes: interactive tools like Quizizz or board games to review lessons

2. Storytelling: turning lessons into stories or role plays to make them memorable

3. Hands-on activities: simple science experiments, art projects, or math puzzles.

4. Movement and music: using songs, chants, and classroom movement games.

5. Group projects: encouraging collaboration through creative tasks and challenges.

Learning in a fun way transforms classrooms into spaces where curiosity thrives. For primary students, playful and enjoyable methods are not just entertainment—they are powerful tools for boosting motivation, improving academic achievement, and fostering social-emotional skills. By combining fun with meaningful instruction, schools can help children build a lifelong love of learning.

Sources : 

Zhang, Y. (2023). Gamification in Primary School Teaching: Enhancing Student Engagement and Motivation. Educational Humanities and Social Sciences Journal.

Ismail, M. A., & Ahmad, A. (2018). Gamification in Education: Enhancing Learning Using Kahoot! International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education.

ACER & LEGO Foundation. (2020). Learning through Play at School: A Study of Playful Integrated Pedagogies. Melbourne: ACER Press.

Yildirim, T. (2021). The Effect of Enjoyable Classroom Activities on Primary Students’ Happiness. International Journal of Life Sciences, Social Sciences, and Education.

Pöysä-Tarhonen, J., et al. (2023). A Systematic Literature Review of Playful Learning in Primary Education. University of Lapland Research.