Play is the New Work

Children learn best when they are playing. Exploring. Creating.

The earliest lessons in music are a playground waiting to be enjoyed.

But not everyone sees it this way. In fact, most don't. 

Over the years, families from very traditional worldviews or cultures have withdrawn from lessons because it seemed too fun. Thinking that if kids are enjoying themselves, not being pushed with grueling work, then it must not be effective.

Couple this with a fear-based education system that keeps students in line with a grading and ranking system, and it's a hard battle to win.

But the opposite is true. Play is the new work. Whether it's exploring and creating, playing games, or improvising.

Next time you have to learn something new, try it two ways.

Try just doing the thing, experimenting, failing, and asking questions as you go. Playing.

Then, try reading a book on how to do the thing first. Only giving it a try once you've read what the "right way to do it" is.

Which one would you pick?