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play:ground NYC is an organization that focuses on the rights of children and creating affirming spaces for play. They believe that young people should be given authority, autonomy, and respect, and that society often mistreats and oppresses children. The organization promotes sustainability by using recycled materials and repurposing junk for […]

Dr. Julie Jones discusses the power of play and challenges the myth that play is separate from learning. She emphasizes that play is not the opposite of work, but rather the opposite of depression. A playful classroom integrates cognition, movement, and emotion, and focuses on student choice and engagement. Dr. […]

Welcome to Season 8 of the Shifting Schools Podcast! This season, we’re diving deeper into the topics that matter most to educators, with a special focus on practical strategies and innovative approaches. Get ready for new mini-series that tackle some of the most pressing issues in education today, including Generative […]

💡 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 […]

💡 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 […]

💡 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 […]

💡 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 […]

  💡 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 […]

 💡 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 […]

💡 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 […]