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How Would You Like It To Be? – A School Wide Project-Based Learning Film Festival Jeff Utecht
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Episode 220: Master Asker of Questions Jeff Utecht
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Episode 219: The Values Map Jeff Utecht
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Episode 218: 3 Podcasting Tips for Teachers and Students Jeff Utecht
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Episode 217: More than a Logo Jeff Utecht
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Episode 216: Should Cell Phones be Allowed in Class? Jeff Utecht
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Episode 215: Your Network Starts with You Jeff Utecht
What do puzzles teach us about being human. In this episode, Tricia talks with Allison Kane, Head of Puzzle Innovation at Highlights, about why puzzling matters far beyond entertainment. From Hidden Pictures and Wordle to classroom design and family learning, this conversation explores how puzzles build confidence, perseverance, and joyful learning across ages.
Learn more:
https://parents.highlights.com/printable-puzzles-and-mazes-puzzle-day-challenge
Allison shares her origin story as a lifelong puzzler, explains the idea of the satisfaction of the solve, and offers practical advice for educators and families who want to integrate puzzles into learning spaces. The conversation also looks at puzzle design, community building, and what adults model for young people when they choose curiosity over avoidance.
Topics covered
Allison Kane’s path from Highlights intern to Head of Puzzle Innovation
Why puzzles support perseverance, confidence, and joyful learning
The satisfaction of the solve and why payoff matters
Puzzles as community builders in classrooms and families
Designing puzzles that challenge without frustrating
How educators can bring puzzles into classrooms easily
What adults model for kids through playful intellectual challenge
National Puzzle Day and the rise of puzzle communities
Puzzles are not just activities. They are invitations to practice thinking, persistence, and joy. When adults model engagement with challenge, they show young people that learning can feel good.
How do you move forward with AI in schools when staff confidence is all over the place? Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman address one of the most persistent leadership challenges […]
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