✨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 of The Playful Lens, Bernie Smyth shares her insights on the importance of play in education. She discusses how play can be a powerful tool for learning, allowing children to express themselves freely and develop their creativity. Bernie emphasises the need for teachers to create engaging and safe environments where students can thrive. She also addresses the challenges teachers face in incorporating play into their classrooms and the importance of mentoring and collaboration among educators. The conversation culminates in a beautiful metaphor about finding the star within each child, highlighting the potential for growth and learning through play.
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
✨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.
In this solo episode of The Playful Lens, we pause to reflect on the powerful insights shared by our guests so far. From the role of play in the new primary curriculum to practical classroom strategies, parental engagement, and the link between play and wellbeing, this 15-minute recap distils key messages for teachers, parents, and school leaders. Tune in for inspiration and actionable ideas to champion play as a core pedagogy.
Hosted by Gillian (@the_glitter_and_coffee_teacher) and Helena (@experiential.wellbeing).
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
✨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 of The Playful Lens podcast, Kate Maher, founder of Dúlra Cill Dara (@dulra_cill_dara) discusses the importance of outdoor play and the forest school ethos in childhood development. She shares her journey in establishing Dúlra Cill Dara, the benefits of nature-based education and the challenges faced by modern parents and educators. The conversation highlights the need for unstructured play, risk-taking and the role of language and folklore in connecting children with their environment. Kate emphasises the importance of creating safe spaces for children to explore and learn and her vision for equitable access to nature for all children.
www.dulracilldara.ie
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
✨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, Dr. Clara Fiorentini (@claramariafiorentini) discusses her journey in literacy education, emphasising the importance of play in early literacy development. She looks at the current rush to teach phonics in early childhood education and advocates for a whole school approach that values language development over immediate reading skills.
Clara highlights the need for cultural shifts in how literacy is perceived and taught, encouraging educators to slow down and focus on the process of learning rather than just the end product. She also addresses the challenges of initiative overload and teacher burnout, urging teachers to reflect on their practices and prioritise what truly benefits their students.
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
✨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 answer questions asked by other teachers. We discuss the significance of play in education, particularly focusing on its impact on teacher wellbeing and children's engagement. We explore the misconceptions surrounding play and learning, emphasising that play is not just for children but is essential for teachers as well.
The conversation highlights practical strategies for incorporating play into the classroom, even in schools where it is not part of the culture. We also address concerns about maintaining control and structure while being playful in the classroom, ultimately advocating for a shift in mindset towards a more playful and engaging learning environment.
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
✨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 of The Playful Lens podcast, Michelle Mannix (@aistearmuinteoir) shares her extensive experience in teaching and her research on parental involvement in play-based learning. She discusses the importance of play in education, the challenges of changing perceptions among parents and the benefits of engaging parents in the learning process. Michelle reflects on her journey, the insights gained from her thesis and the practical applications of her research in the classroom. The conversation emphasises the need for a shift in mindset regarding play and learning, advocating for a more integrated approach that values both process and product in education.
Follow the conversation on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen!
We hope you enjoy
Gillian and Helena
✨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 conversation, Dr. Joanna Fortune discusses the significance of play in both childhood and adulthood, emphasising its role in mental health, relationships and education. She explores how play fosters connection, creativity and emotional well-being, and provides practical tips for adults to reconnect with their playful side. The discussion highlights the importance of curiosity and playfulness in learning environments and how these elements can enhance teacher-student relationships and family dynamics.
Follow the conversation on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen!
We hope you enjoy
Gillian and Helena
✨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 conversation, Tina McLaughlin (@teacherofdotes) , a primary school teacher and play advocate, shares her insights on the significance of play in early childhood education. She emphasises that play is not just a break from learning but a vital component of children's development. Tina discusses the challenges educators face in fostering a playful learning environment, the importance of trusting children's instincts and the need for flexibility in lesson planning. The conversation also highlights the value of building relationships through play and the necessity of professional dialogue among teachers to support playful learning. Ultimately, Tina's passion for play shines through as she encourages schools to embrace the naturalness of play in their teaching practices.
Follow the conversation on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen!
We hope you enjoy
Gillian and Helena
✨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), we engage in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Jacqueline Fallon where she discusses the transformative role of play in education, particularly within the new Primary Curriculum Framework. She emphasises that children have both a right and a desire to play, which is essential for their learning and development. The discussion covers various types of play, the importance of child agency and how play can be integrated into senior classes despite common misconceptions. Dr. Fallon reassures teachers about the value of play in fostering resilience and well-being, ultimately advocating for a shift in educational practices to embrace play as a fundamental aspect of learning.
Follow all the chat on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen!
We hope you enjoy
Gillian and Helena
https://www.siolta.ie/
https://cslstudy.ie/news/
https://ncca.ie/media/5016/preparation-for-teaching-and-learning.pdf
https://ncca.ie/media/bw1j0jxg/play-learning-and-teaching-in-a-redeveloped-primary-curriculum.pdf
https://dailypapert.com/hard-fun/
✨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), our very first episode delves into the significance of play in education and its impact on children's mental health and well-being. We share our personal journeys with play, discussing how our teaching philosophies have evolved to embrace play and playful learning.
Follow the fun on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen!
We hope you enjoy
Gillian and Helena
✨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), each episode explores how play shapes who we are; in classrooms, communities and beyond. Expect thoughtful chats, laughter and plenty of playful inspiration.
Follow the fun on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen!
We hope you enjoy
Gillian and Helena