The Playful Lens

Deep Learning: The State of Play in Our Nervous System with Dr. Lori Desautels

✨Shaping minds, connections and creativity through play, playfulness and playful learning for all✨ Welcome to The Playful Lens - the podcast where curiosity, creativity and coffee fuel big conversations about learning, wellbeing and play. Hosted by Gillian (@the_glitter_and_coffee_teacher) and Helena (@experiential.wellbeing) In this episode we are joined by assistant professor, educator & author Dr. Lori Desautels. She speaks to us about what happens inside our nervous systems when we play. Play is deep learning — a vital way our brains grow, process and connect. If you’re guilty of using your imagination for worry instead of wonder then we think you are really going to enjoy this episode. Lori's inspiring books 'Connections Over Compliance', 'Intentional Neuroplasticity', 'How May I Serve You' and 'Body & Brain Brilliance' are a must read for all educators. Find out more about Lori's work at REVELATIONS IN EDUCATION – Exploring Neuroscience in Education with Dr. Lori Desautels [https://revelationsineducation.com/] Follow the conversation on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen! We hope you enjoy  Gillian and Helena the.playful.lens.podcast@gmail.com

Play: The Gateway To Success with Anne Marie Coffey

✨Shaping minds, connections and creativity through play, playfulness and playful learning for all✨ Welcome to The Playful Lens - the podcast where curiosity, creativity and coffee fuel big conversations about learning, wellbeing and play. Hosted by Gillian (@the_glitter_and_coffee_teacher) and Helena (@experiential.wellbeing).  In her current role as an SNA in a nurture room - a relatively new concept in Irish education - Anne-Marie Coffey emphasises the importance of providing a safe space for children who may have experienced trauma or social difficulties. Play serves as a therapeutic tool in these environments, allowing children to express their emotions and develop coping mechanisms. Nurture rooms are designed to be a sanctuary for children, where they can gradually open up at their own pace. By incorporating play into their daily routine, children can learn to navigate their emotions and build resilience. Follow the conversation on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen! We hope you enjoy  Gillian and Helena the.playful.lens.podcast@gmail.com [the.playful.lens.podcast@gmail.com]

Play, Learning and Teaching in a Redeveloped Curriculum with Prof Emer Ring and Dr Lisha O'Sullivan

✨Shaping minds, connections and creativity through play, playfulness and playful learning for all✨ Welcome to The Playful Lens - the podcast where curiosity, creativity and coffee fuel big conversations about learning, wellbeing and play. Hosted by Gillian (@the_glitter_and_coffee_teacher) and Helena (@experiential.wellbeing).  In this engaging episode, Prof. Emer Ring and Dr. Lisha O’Sullivan from Mary Immaculate College in Limerick chat to us about the vital role of play in children's learning and development and the rights of children to play. They explore the principles of the Reggio Emilia approach, the importance of environment and practical strategies for integrating play into the curriculum. They also delve into their must-read paper called “Play, Learning and Teaching in a Redeveloped Primary Curriculum”, written for the NCCA which you can read here: https://ncca.ie/media/bw1j0jxg/play_learning-and-teaching-in-a-redeveloped-primary-curriculum-25.pdf [https://ncca.ie/media/bw1j0jxg/play_learning-and-teaching-in-a-redeveloped-primary-curriculum-25.pdf]  Follow the conversation on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen! We hope you enjoy  Gillian and Helena the.playful.lens.podcast@gmail.com [the.playful.lens.podcast@gmail.com]

Reimagining Success: Creativity, Curiosity & Process Art with Stephanie Seidler from We Skoolhouse

✨Shaping minds, connections and creativity through play, playfulness and playful learning for all✨ Welcome to The Playful Lens - the podcast where curiosity, creativity and coffee fuel big conversations about learning, wellbeing and play. Hosted by Gillian (@the_glitter_and_coffee_teacher) and Helena (@experiential.wellbeing).  This important conversation explores the need to rethink success and education. In this episode, we get down to business. A very honest fan of crafts and teacher directed art here-but what Stephanie Seidler from We Skoolhouse had to say about the value of process art over directed art was simply enlightening! Best of all...this makes teaching art easier, because instead of scrolling or searching online for a 'lovely art idea' we are working with children to tap into their own unique creative genius! The discussion highlights decision-making, choice and the significance of working with as opposed to working for children. Check out Early Childhood Resources for Teachers & Parents (Ages 0-6) | We Skoolhouse [https://www.weskoolhouse.com/]for more information on Stephanie's work. Follow the conversation on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen! We hope you enjoy  Gillian and Helena the.plaful.lens.podcast@gmail.com

What Are Playful Pedagogies? with Fiona Kirkland from Play Scotland

✨Shaping minds, connections and creativity through play, playfulness and playful learning for all✨ Welcome to The Playful Lens - the podcast where curiosity, creativity and coffee fuel big conversations about learning, wellbeing and play. Hosted by Gillian (@the_glitter_and_coffee_teacher) and Helena (@experiential.wellbeing).  In this insightful interview, Fiona Kirkland from Play Scotland shares the importance of play in children's learning, the legal rights to play and how to integrate playful pedagogy into schools. Discover practical strategies, affordances, the play cycle and the transformative power of play for educators and children alike. Follow the conversation on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen! We hope you enjoy  Gillian and Helena the.playful.lens.podcast@gmail.com [the.playful.lens.podcast@gmail.com]  #podcast #anewperspective #themagicofmovement #playpedagogy #playscotland  https://www.playscotland.org/ [https://www.playscotland.org/]  file:///Users/gilliancorbally/Desktop/Scotlands%20Play%20Vision%20Statement%20and%20Action%20Plan%202025-2030.pdf  https://education.gov.scot/media/3bjpr3wa/realisingtheambition.pdf [https://education.gov.scot/media/3bjpr3wa/realisingtheambition.pdf]  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Qfqjy4IHr0 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Qfqjy4IHr0]  https://www.playcycle.co.uk/ [https://www.playcycle.co.uk/]