Are We Crowding Joy Out of the Curriculum?

What if one of the most important things education can do is give students more opportunities to experience joy in life?

In this episode, Trevor explores why joy deserves a place in our curriculum and instruction. From his own experience falling in love with reading to his daughter's "Magic Spot" in the woods, he shares how meaningful learning experiences can spark curiosity, build lasting interests, and help students discover the richness of the world around them.

He also asks a challenging question: As schools focus on standards, assessments, and new instructional programs, are we unintentionally crowding out the experiences that make learning enjoyable?

This doesn't mean always making school mean fun or easy. Sometimes it comes from solving a difficult problem, discovering something fascinating, or creating something meaningful. And if we want students to develop a lifelong love of learning, we have to make room for those experiences.