As school leaders and educators, we’re often overwhelmed by the gravity of our responsibilities. Pursuing academic excellence, managing daily operations and addressing diverse student needs can weigh heavily on us.
Amidst these demands, the notion of joy can seem almost frivolous. Why waste school time on dance parties and field days when we struggle to close learning gaps?
However, the promise of joy in schools is not merely an idealistic dream; it’s a foundational element that drives our students’ academic success. As researcher Judy Willis wrote in the “Neuroscience of Joyful Education”: “The truth is that when we scrub joy and comfort from the classroom, we distance our students from effective information processing and long-term memory storage.”
Education becomes significantly easier when students, educators and staff are genuinely happy to be at school. Joy makes the work lighter, the challenges surmountable and the community stronger. Sometimes, this joy emerges from whimsical activities—high fives, pajama days and spirit weeks—while other times, it’s built into the classroom curriculum through learning games and art activities.
When we invite our staff and students to experience joy, they move closer to finding deeper levels in three critical areas: connection, growth, and success.
‘Known, supported and successful’
One of the primary reasons students look forward to going to school is the opportunity to spend time with peers and mentors in a place of belonging. Joy is easier to find when people feel connected, safe and appreciated.
Educators and administrators must ensure everyone in the school community feels known and valued—by name, strengths, interests, hopes and dreams, inspired by Susan Enfield’s promise to her students through her roles as superintendent. DeLeon Gray of the North Carolina State College of Education found that students whose schools embrace their individuality are more energized, less likely to be absent and more engaged with their school environment.
This connection encourages collaboration, empathy and mutual respect, creating a fertile ground for growing joy. Additionally, connection helps make the other two critical areas of fostering growth more possible.
At Eastern Hancock Schools, we prioritize connecting with students as individuals through dedicated advisory class periods. Each student is paired with an advisor who looks after their well-being, ensuring they are known, supported and successful in school. This time fosters meaningful relationships where students can discuss their strengths, interests and future plans in a safe and supportive environment.
Additionally, the superintendent and high school principal meet individually with each junior and senior to discuss their post-high school plans, ensuring every student has a clear path forward. For those who don’t, we provide personalized guidance and support to help them create one. This personalized approach ensures no student feels left behind, fostering a deeper sense of belonging and connection within our school community.
Experiencing the joy of growth
Learning is a simple concept that is complex in practice. Traditional education models focus on repetition and routine in the hope that the content will stick.
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In reality, our students’ minds are designed to enjoy a challenge and hardwired to thrive in new situations. This is evident in how students persist with video games despite frequent failures. No kid would buy a game they could conquer in minutes; the joy comes from the challenge and the growth it fosters.
When educators engage students in arts and music, role-play lessons and challenging curriculum, we help construct new neural pathways and activate different areas of the brain. So when you incorporate joy into the classroom, you’re not just an educator—you’re a neuroscientist.
The biggest obstacle to learning is the fear of vulnerability. Most students come to school with the mindset of showcasing what they already know rather than embracing the opportunity to learn. The fear of being judged by their classmates can overshadow their love of learning.
To maximize joy in our schools, we must create a safe environment where taking risks and experiencing growth are celebrated. When students feel safe to be vulnerable, they are more likely to embrace challenges, learn from failures and experience the joy of growth.
Today’s effort, tomorrow’s success
For joy at school to be maximized, students must understand the purpose of their actions and see themselves as capable of achieving that purpose. They need to see their learning as a relevant pursuit that leads to preparation for post-high school success.
For example, at Eastern Hancock, students engage in work-based learning programs where they spend part of their day in industries like manufacturing, healthcare and education. By applying what they learn in the classroom to real-world environments, students gain practical skills and see firsthand how their education prepares them for future careers.
This connection between their current work and future aspirations fosters a sense of accomplishment, helping them find joy in learning because it feels relevant and purposeful. When students realize their effort today is directly linked to their success tomorrow, they are more motivated and engaged.
Students’ engagement and motivation increase when they see a clear connection between their school efforts and future aspirations. Joy comes from the sense of accomplishment and the confidence that their hard work is paving the way for future success. Educators must help students see the bigger picture and the long-term benefits of their education, thus instilling a sense of purpose and joy in their daily activities.
‘Emotion cements learning’
The promise of joy at school is not just a lofty ideal; it’s a necessary pursuit that can transform the educational experience for students, educators and the entire school community.
As education thought leader Kevin Honeycutt often says, “Emotion cements learning.” In other words, how we feel while learning is just as important as what we learn. Tying a fun or emotional experience to learning increases retention and engagement. When a parent asks their student, “What did you do at school today?” and receives a response of “I don’t know” or “nothing,” it’s a sign that joy and excitement are missing in the classroom.
Let’s embrace the promise of joy and make it a central part of our mission as school leaders.
By intentionally incorporating whimsical joy through fun and emotionally engaging activities, we create memorable learning experiences that anchor academic content in the minds of our students and make our schools happier and more effective in achieving our educational goals.
