352: Practical advice for a more playful childhood

352: Practical advice for a more playful childhood

???? On our power of play series this week we talk with Jackie Mader   Jackie Mader is a senior early childhood reporter at The Hechinger Report, where she has reported on a range of topics including teacher preparation, special education and policies that impact young children and families. Her work has appeared in newspapers and outlets nationwide, including The […]

351: Skateboarding as a tool for change

351: Skateboarding as a tool for change

???? On our power of play series this week we talk with a remarkable leader with Skateistan, Hala Khalaf.  Skateistan is an international NGO that uses skateboarding as a tool for education and empowerment. It started with a few children in Kabul who were curious about skateboarding and has now grown into a global movement. The organization focuses on providing […]

350: The Power of Process-Oriented Play

350: The Power of Process-Oriented Play

???? On our power of play series this week we talk with Nawal Qarooni. ?????Connect with our guest and check out her book: https://nqcliteracy.org/ https://x.com/nqcliteracy?lang=en Chapters 00:00 Empowering Children Through Choices and Leadership 02:28 The Role of Play in Decision-Making and Learning 04:17 Libraries as Community Centers for Play 07:41 Communicating the Value of Play to the Broader Community 12:55 […]

349: What is the Impact of Play on Relationships?

349: What is the Impact of Play on Relationships?

???? On our power of play series this week we talk with Courtney McLeod. Courtney is an award-winning speaker and a professional life and leadership coach. Her super power is helping people experience and achieve things they never thought possible and she does this work through one-on-one and group coaching programs. She loves leading corporate team-building events and workshops designed […]

348: How do you define ‘play’?

348: How do you define ‘play’?

  ???? On our power of play series this week we talk with Dr. Paul Davarsi. Play and learning (aren’t they the same thing?) are his twin passions, and lie at the heart of everything he does. Paul teaches about games and play at the University of Toronto, where he is a founding member of the PlayLab. Paul makes games […]

347: Learning self-regulation through the process of co-regulation

347: Learning self-regulation through the process of co-regulation

 ???? On our power of play series this week we talk with Dr. Peg Oliveira. Dr. Oliveira is a child development expert and an activist. Since receiving her doctorate in developmental psychology from Brandeis University, Dr. Oliveira has advocated for fair pay for early childhood educators, child care assistance for working parents and equitable access to high quality education.  Peg […]

346: Do you understand your personal play identity?

346: Do you understand your personal play identity?

???? On our power of play series this week we talk with Acey Holmes.  Acey Holmes is the founder of BoredLess, this week she discusses the importance of play for adults and its impact on social connection, work culture, and personal well-being. She addresses the myth that play is only for children and emphasizes the benefits of play across the […]

345: Ready to have some ‘hard fun’?

345: Ready to have some ‘hard fun’?

???? On our power of play series this week we talk with Sharon Lauricella, Ph.D. and T. Keith Edmunds about “Hard Fun,” and Ludic pedagogy. ?????Take this episode further by exploring the book from this week’s guests: https://niagarapencentre.com/shop/product/ludic-pedagogy-by-sharon-lauricella-hardcover-indigo-chapters-coles-80eb19 Want to map out your personal plans for having a more playful summer? ????? Explore our six-part planner, download it free : […]

344: Play as a catalyst for innovation

344: Play as a catalyst for innovation

This week’s conversation challenges the myth that play is only for young children and emphasizes its value for middle schoolers, high schoolers, and adults. Sandra Chow is here and she highlights the role of play in professional development and collaboration, sharing examples from her own experiences. She emphasizes the need for accessible play spaces and suggests incorporating play into different […]

343: How can we be better role models for play?

343: How can we be better role models for play?

Liz Joy Moore discusses the power of play and how it can benefit both children and adults. She emphasizes that play is for everyone and that it is not impractical, even for adults. Liz believes that play is essential for connection, communication, and learning, and that it can be used to teach strategies for mental health and trauma. She suggests […]