Why Fun Matters: Dinosaurs and the Joy of Listening to Kids

This Halloween, I showed up to school not just as Ms. Davis, but as a giant T-Rex. And it all started because my students couldn’t stop talking about dinosaurs.

All year long, they’ve shared facts about meat-eaters vs. plant-eaters, named dinosaurs I’d never even heard of, and debated which one was the fastest or scariest. Their excitement was contagious so I decided to join their dino-world for a day.

A wonderful school volunteer offered to let me borrow her blow-up dinosaur costume (because sometimes the universe supports your silly plans). After learning how to step into the tiny legs – not the tail! – and making sure I wasn’t wearing the costume backward, I arrived at school early, ready to surprise my class.

The moment I opened the school door, the shrieks and squeals started “Ms. Davis is a T-Rex!!”
Students ran over for hugs and high-fives, and suddenly I understood why movie stars enjoy the spotlight—it was pure joy. Even older students, who usually play it cool, were giving me high-fives as I waddled and “roared” my way around campus. For about ten minutes, I was the cool teacher in her T-Rex suit… and it was hilarious and wonderful.

But beyond the laughs and the giggles, this day reminded me of something important:

Kids need fun.

Joy isn’t extra.
It’s not “fluff.”
It’s fuel for learning, confidence, and connection.

And listening to what students love – whether it’s dinosaurs, butterflies, superheroes, or trucks – tells them:

“I see you. I hear you. What you care about matters here.”

Building relationships means joining their world, not just inviting them into ours. When children feel connected and understood, school becomes a place they want to be, not just where they have to be.

So parents — thank you for cheering on joy.
Teachers — don’t forget to play.
Kids learn best when they feel loved, seen, and delighted.

Whether it’s dressing up as a dinosaur or laughing together at morning meeting — Keep fun in school. Keep wonder alive. Because sometimes, the most meaningful learning comes with a roar, tiny T-Rex arms…
and a whole lot of joy.