The Playful Lens

✨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 episode of The Playful Lens brings us together with Robbie O'Connell and Dr. Colman Noctor for a thoughtful discussion about homework in primary school. Robbie and Colman both challenge the idea that traditional worksheet homework should continue unchanged, arguing for more flexibility, better communication and learning that better fits children’s real lives.

In this conversation, we explore who homework helps, who it hurts and whether schools should be asking a bigger question: what is homework actually for?

You can find Dr. Colman Noctor on Instagram @noctorcolman and Robbie O’Connell also on Instagram @positiveprimaryprincipal 

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 the final episode of Season One, we welcome back Dr. Jacqueline Fallon to discuss the professionalism of teachers engaged in playful pedagogies. Jacqueline emphasises that play is often misunderstood as risky, mainly due to fears around professional reputation and perceptions of chaos. She explores the fact that the use of playful pedagogies highlight the importance of professionalism, knowledge and intentionality behind playful practices and learning experiences.

Dr. Fallon speaks about key professional skills including understanding affordances and sustained shared thinking.

The episode also discusses the significance of leadership support, especially principals acting as umbrellas in order to foster safe environments for encouraging playful and engaging learning experiences for all children. 

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). 

The first season of The Playful Lens podcast has almost come to an end, featuring conversations with phenomenal guests and exploring the theme of play and playfulness from various angles. The key takeaways include the importance of play for everyone, the reassurance and freedom it provides, and the integration of play into the curriculum.

✨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

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 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