Recently, one of our teachers attended her first Nashville Predators hockey game and instantly became a fan. The excitement didn’t stop at the arena. She brought that newfound passion right back into the classroom, and the results have been nothing short of magical.
Our students have been exploring the world of hockey through age-appropriate, play-based activities. They’ve learned new vocabulary like puck, goal, and ice rink, practiced counting and sorting through hockey-themed games, and worked on gross motor skills by “skating” and passing imaginary pucks during movement time. Even our dramatic play center has transformed, with children pretending to be players, fans, and announcers.
What makes this experience so powerful is that it’s rooted in genuine enthusiasm. When children see their teacher excited and engaged, that energy becomes contagious. Learning feels fun, meaningful, and connected to the real world—not something separate from it.
This is a beautiful example of how we bring learning to life by following interests—both the children’s and our teachers’. When educators share what excites them, it opens the door to new topics, experiences, and connections that spark curiosity and confidence in our students.
Let’s go Preds—and let’s go learning! 💛🏒✨
