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).
In this episode, Helena discusses her journey to becoming a play therapist, the significance of play therapy in addressing trauma, and the holistic approach to child healing. She emphasizes the importance of personal development for therapists, the process of play therapy, and the role of toys and symbolism in helping children express their emotions. The conversation also touches on the stigma surrounding mental health and the need for parents and teachers to prioritize their own well-being to effectively support children and adolescents.

EAS/Counselling - Irish National Teachers' Organisation

IAPTP

The Children's Therapy Centre

Follow the conversation on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen!

We hope you enjoy
Gillian and Helena
[email protected]

✨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, Helena discusses her journey to becoming a play therapist, the significance of play therapy in addressing trauma, and the holistic approach to child healing. She emphasizes the importance of personal development for therapists, the process of play therapy, and the role of toys and symbolism in helping children express their emotions. The conversation also touches on the stigma surrounding mental health and the need for parents and teachers to prioritize their own well-being to effectively support children.
EAS/Counselling - Irish National Teachers' OrganisationHomepage - Children's Therapy Centre

Follow the conversation on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen!

We hope you enjoy
Gillian and Helena
[email protected]

✨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, Tracy McElheron shares her extensive experience in Early Childhood Education, emphasising the critical role of play in child development. With over 25 years in the field, Tracy discusses how play has evolved over the years, highlighting three main areas of change: place, time and the nature of toys. She reflects on her own childhood experiences of unstructured play and contrasts them with the more organised and supervised play of today, which she believes limits children's creativity and problem-solving skills. Tracy passionately advocates for the importance of reconnecting with the essence of play, not just for children but for adults as well, as a means to foster relationships and enhance well-being.

Follow the conversation on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen!

We hope you enjoy
Gillian and Helena
[email protected]

✨Shaping minds, connections and creativity through play, playfulness and playful learning for all✨
In this episode of The Playful Lens, Debbie Cullinane discusses the transformative power of play in education and child development. She emphasizes the importance of sensory play, movement, and understanding children's unique sensory preferences. The conversation highlights how play fosters relationships, supports learning, and contributes to overall wellbeing. Debbie also addresses misconceptions about sensory play being exclusive to neurodivergent children and advocates for its inclusion in all educational settings. The episode concludes with practical tips for integrating play into daily routines and the significance of creating joyful experiences for children.

00:00Introduction to Play Therapy and Its Importance
02:47The Value of Play in Child Development
05:48Understanding Sensory Play and Its Benefits
09:03The Role of Movement in Learning
12:14Navigating Sensory Preferences in Children
14:52Creating Inclusive Play Environments
18:00The Impact of Sensory Play on Well-being
20:49Integrating Play into Educational Settings
24:05Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Play Therapy
31:10The Importance of Sensory Play for Regulation
32:47Differentiation in Learning Through Play
34:37Integrating Play into the Curriculum
38:32Creative Approaches to Learning
41:21The Need for Sensory Breaks
43:12Misconceptions About Sensory Play
46:58Valuing Sensory Play for All Children
48:20Building Relationships Through Play
49:04Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

✨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
[email protected]