In the two videos, two ordinary aspects of life that we know are good for us, yet most of us don't do (recycling and taking the stairs) were made in to games. We could actually see the difference in participation level, as well as the emotional responses of the people change when it became fun.

When most of us hear, "Let's play a game," we get excited. Games are fun; at least they're designed to be fun. The word "play" was in that sentence; playing is fun. You don't have to be a "gamer" to enjoy games, and I guarantee you the majority of your students do enjoy games.

When asked why they don't like school, students give many answers. "The work is too hard," "My teachers don't like me," "It's boring," "It's not fun." Now, don't get me wrong. I do not think our purpose is to be "fun". We're here to prepare our students for their future. However, does that mean that school can't be fun? Absolutely not! Our students have so many things to occupy their time and attention. As teachers, we're fighting for some of that. If we don't connect to our students, and yes, make it fun every now and then, we'll find grabbing and keeping their attention a very difficult task. So if you can make recycling and taking the stairs fun, why can't we make school fun? Why can't we turn it into a game?