The Playful Lens

A Balance Play Diet with Dr. Amanda Gummer

✨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 an inspiring conversation with Dr. Amanda Gummer. Amanda talks to us about the importance of a balanced play diet and gives us a new lens to view "just messing" through. You can find out more about Amanda's work and access some of her incredible resources here: Good Play Guide Balanced Play Model Play Partner Schools Programme (Free) Follow the conversation on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen! the.playful.lens.podcast@gmail.com We hope you enjoy Gillian and Helena

• Transcript

How Risky Play Builds Resilient Children Who Can Handle Real Life with Dr. David Coleman

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, Dr. David Coleman shares his insights on the importance of play in children’s development, the role of risky play in building resilience and how parents and teachers can support children’s natural curiosity and growth. You can learn more about Dr. Coleman on his website https://davidcoleman.ie/ and follow him on Instagram @davidcoleman.ie Tickets for his upcoming theatre tour Ready For Anything are available at https://davidcoleman.ie/tour/ Follow the conversations on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen! We hope you enjoy Gillian and Helena the.playful.lens.podcast@gmail.com

• Transcript

Homework, Play and the Case For More Meaningful Learning with Dr. Colman Noctor and Robbie O'Connell

✨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

• Transcript

Teachers as Playful Professionals with Dr. Jacqueline Fallon

✨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

Time to Reflect: Some of Helena & Gillian's Key Takeaways from Season 1

✨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.

• Transcript

Deep Learning: The State of Play in Our Nervous System with Dr. Lori Desautels

✨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

• Transcript

Play: The Gateway To Success with Anne Marie Coffey

✨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

Play, Learning and Teaching in a Redeveloped Curriculum with Prof Emer Ring and Dr Lisha O'Sullivan

✨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 engaging episode, Prof. Emer Ring and Dr. Lisha O’Sullivan from Mary Immaculate College in Limerick chat to us about the vital role of play in children's learning and development and the rights of children to play. They explore the principles of the Reggio Emilia approach, the importance of environment and practical strategies for integrating play into the curriculum. They also delve into their must-read paper called “Play, Learning and Teaching in a Redeveloped Primary Curriculum”, written for the NCCA which you can read here: https://ncca.ie/media/bw1j0jxg/play_learning-and-teaching-in-a-redeveloped-primary-curriculum-25.pdf 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

• Transcript

Reimagining Success: Creativity, Curiosity & Process Art with Stephanie Seidler from We Skoolhouse

✨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 important conversation explores the need to rethink success and education. In this episode, we get down to business. A very honest fan of crafts and teacher directed art here-but what Stephanie Seidler from We Skoolhouse had to say about the value of process art over directed art was simply enlightening! Best of all...this makes teaching art easier, because instead of scrolling or searching online for a 'lovely art idea' we are working with children to tap into their own unique creative genius! The discussion highlights decision-making, choice and the significance of working with as opposed to working for children. Check out Early Childhood Resources for Teachers & Parents (Ages 0-6) | We Skoolhouse for more information on Stephanie's work. Follow the conversation on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen! We hope you enjoy Gillian and Helena the.plaful.lens.podcast@gmail.com

What Are Playful Pedagogies? with Fiona Kirkland from Play Scotland

✨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 insightful interview, Fiona Kirkland from Play Scotland shares the importance of play in children's learning, the legal rights to play and how to integrate playful pedagogy into schools. Discover practical strategies, affordances, the play cycle and the transformative power of play for educators and children alike. 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 #podcast #anewperspective #themagicofmovement #playpedagogy #playscotland https://www.playscotland.org/ file:///Users/gilliancorbally/Desktop/Scotlands%20Play%20Vision%20Statement%20and%20Action%20Plan%202025-2030.pdf https://education.gov.scot/media/3bjpr3wa/realisingtheambition.pdf https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Qfqjy4IHr0 https://www.playcycle.co.uk/

The Creative Magic of Loose Parts Play with Rooted in Play

✨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, Maggie Wilman & Ashli Givens from Rooted in Play, join Gillian & Helena to chat about the creative magic of loose parts play. Rooted in Play is a non profit organisation based in Tampa, Florida. It has simple goals- protect child led play and help everyone to see the value in it! This conversation explores the significance of loose parts, challenges with organised sports, the importance of observing play and the play ecosystem. You can find out more about Rooted In Play on rootedinplay.org 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

• Transcript

Embracing Diversity in Play with Amy Collins

✨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, Amy Collins, Speech and Language Therapist, joins Gillian and Helena and delves into the transformative power of play in supporting neurodivergent children. Through insightful discussions, they uncover how playful interactions not only foster connection and regulation but also allow children to express themselves genuinely within their unique worlds. This episode offers valuable perspectives on embracing diversity in play and understanding its critical role in nurturing a child's development and well-being. You can find Amy on Instagram @amycslt 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

• Transcript

Why Play Matters at Every Age: The Legacy of Dr. Stuart Brown with Mia & Lauren Sundstrom

✨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 insightful conversation Mia & Lauren Sundstrom, the CEO & COO of The National Institute for Play, unpack the power of play across childhood and adulthood — the science, the healing potential, the impact on learning and the small playful habits that enrich adult life. From Dr. Brown’s legacy to everyday playful moments, this episode explores how play shapes our wellbeing, our classrooms and our lives. National Institute for Play: https://nifplay.org/ Recess, Stress, and Cortisol Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40723058/ Chamber of Connection Report: https://www.chamberofconnection.org/the-six-points-of-connection-2026 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

• Transcript

How Rhythmic Movement Can Enhance Learning and Reduce Anxiety in Children with Dr. Rebecca Quinn

✨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, Dr. Rebecca Quinn discusses the critical role of play and movement in child development and education. She emphasises that play is not merely recreational but is essential for regulating a child's nervous system and enhancing learning. Dr. Quinn shares insights on how teachers can implement movement in classrooms, the neuroscience behind why movement aids learning and the importance of creating spaces for movement in schools. She also addresses common concerns from educators about managing movement in the classroom as well as the need for a cultural shift in educational practices to embrace play-based learning. Rebecca concludes with a reminder that movement is essential for learning and therapy, not just an optional activity. Follow the conversation on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen! NCSE Relate Policy - Regulation First: https://www.ncse.ie/school-leaders/resources-for-school-leaders/relate/ We hope you enjoy Gillian and Helena the.playful.lens.podcast@gmail.com

• Transcript

Cultivating a School Culture of Play: A Principal’s Perspective

✨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 important conversation highlights how principals’ attitudes toward play shape school culture, teacher mindsets and meaningful relationships across the school community. Dr. Siobhán Kennan Fitzgerald reflects on bringing playful pedagogies into her school—embracing outdoor learning, strengthening connections and modelling playfulness as a school leader. It explores how play supports classroom management and behaviour, confidence and self-expression, while also acknowledging the challenges and rewards of embedding a playful culture. The discussion touches on the healing power of play and the personal experiences that inform a principal’s playful approach. 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

• Transcript

From Playgrounds to Smartphones: Navigating Parenting and Childhood in Modern Times

✨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 insightful interview, Dr. Mary O'Kane explores the critical role of play in children's mental health, resilience and development. She discusses the impact of social media, smartphones, overprotective parenting and societal attitudes on play and well-being, offering practical advice for parents, teachers and caregivers. 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

• Transcript

How Play and Trust Build Breakthrough Moments with Angela Cummins

✨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, Angela Cummins, a special education teacher, shares her insights on the importance of play in autism education. With over two decades of experience, Angela discusses her unique teaching environment, the significance of building relationships with students and the role of play in fostering learning and development. She emphasises the need for inclusivity, life skills and the magic moments that occur in the classroom, all while maintaining a playful and engaging atmosphere for her students. 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

• Transcript

The Changing Nature of Play with Tracy McElheron

✨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 the.playful.lens.podcast@gmail.com

• Transcript

Getting Back to Basics with Edel Lawlor

✨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). Edel Lawlor shares her journey from a social care practitioner to a play therapist, highlighting the therapeutic power of play and its impact on children's well-being. She outlines how children tell their stories through play and discusses the decline in children's play, the importance of play for parents, and the benefits of play therapy for teenagers and adults with disabilities. Edel also gives advice on how getting back to basics is often what our children really need and how her work has led her to appreciate the life changing power of simple experiences. Here is a link to Edel's inspirational Ted Talk: Unconditional Kindness Towards 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

• Transcript

What Would Happen If Play Disappeared From Primary Schools?

✨Shaping minds, connections and creativity through play, playfulness and playful learning for all✨ The episode is an invitation to imagine the impact of the disappearance of play from primary schools, emphasizing the loss of curiosity, belonging, cognitive depth, joy and professional identity. It calls for the protection and promotion of playful pedagogy as a way of deepening learning and creating alive classrooms. 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

• Transcript