306: The Power of Purposeful Play with Dr. Kristen Craft

In this episode Dr. Craft shatters misconceptions and reveals the power of gaming for building social-emotional skills. How can educators effectively integrate gaming into their SEL programs?  Are You Ready To Unlock the Power of Gaming? The power of gaming can be harnessed to forge strong peer connections among students. By instilling the elements of gaming in social-emotional learning, students can be encouraged to reflect on their emotions and reactions in gaming scenarios, apply insights to real-life contexts, and foster belonging within their peer groups. Thus, far from being a mere recreational activity, gaming can be a potent tool for facilitating improved student well-being and social-emotional growth. Learn more about our amazing guest: Dr. Kristen Craft has served as a teacher, principal, and district administrator in public education for the past 27 years. A champion of students, Dr. Craft is currently the Scholastic Esports Specialist for Generation Esports. She helps normalize esports in education by supporting schools and districts to create a scholastic esports pipeline.  Mentoring educational leaders, teaching aspiring principals at the university level, presenting at multiple conferences, and connecting with leaders across the country, Kristen knows the impact leaders can have on a school or district. The culmination of her time in administration at both levels represents a lifetime of love spent in the greatest profession.   She is the Gaming Concepts Podcast host and has been featured in several ed leadership podcasts and publications.  Kristen was named the 2021 Kansas Principal of the Year. Twitter - @KristenEsports @GamingConceptsU @JoinGenEsports @HSELesports   LinkedIn - KristenEsports, Generation Esports Links explored in this episode ‍LGBTQ Students Finding Hope in Declining Mental Health via Esports in Schools https://www.gamingconcepts.gg/ Huge thanks to our amazing Sponsor for this episode! Mackin For highlights from this conversation: 00:06:52 - Gaming as a Tool for Connection and Belonging  Dr. Craft explains how gaming at school provides an opportunity for students to find their peer group, build friendships across different social circles, and strengthen connections, ultimately promoting a sense of belonging. 00:09:31 - Rethinking Social Emotional Learning (SEL)  Dr. Craft reflects on traditional approaches to SEL and suggests that incorporating gaming into SEL programs can make them more authentic and relevant to students. By addressing real-life challenges and experiences in gaming, students can develop skills like anger management and empathy. 00:11:08 - Using Gaming to Teach Emotional Regulation  Dr. Craft shares an example of using gaming to teach emotional regulation. By discussing instances of toxic behavior and anger in gaming, students can learn how to manage their emotions and react appropriately, not only within gaming but also in other aspects of life. 00:15:34 - The Stigma of Video Games  The guest discusses the common misconception and stigma surrounding video games, particularly among parents. She shares her own experience and emphasizes the need to normalize esports in schools. 00:17:21 - Esports and Marginalized Populations  The guest highlights the positive impact of esports on marginalized populations, specifically LGBTQ+ students. She mentions a study that showed significant growth in self-esteem among students who had mental health moments integrated into their gaming concepts curriculum. 00:18:13 - Rapid Transformation with Esports  The guest discusses the transformative effects of implementing esports in schools. She shares the results of a study where students showed tremendous gains in self-esteem within just ten weeks. Esports provides a sense of community and inclusivity for students who may feel marginalized. 00:22:12 - Leadership Skills and Career Opportunities  The guest emphasizes that esports develops leadership skills and opens up career opportunities in a rapidly growing industry. She mentions the diverse range of professions related to gaming, such as chiropractors, accountants, and lawyers. Esports prepares students for the future and helps them become successful adults. 00:25:50 - Getting Started with Esports  The guest encourages educators to reach out for support in getting started with esports. She assures that starting is not as difficult as it may seem and that they can provide guidance and solutions for challenges related to attendance, grades, student engagement, and mental health. 00:30:25 - Combatting Pushback  Dr. Craft discusses the importance of being prepared to combat pushback when championing initiatives for students, such as Esports. Leaders in education may face resistance, but pushing past it can make a tremendous difference in the lives of students. 00:31:16 - Creating a Welcoming Culture  Dr. Craft emphasizes that adding initiatives like Esports can create an inclusive and welcoming culture in schools. It is essential for educational leaders to see and fight for all students, rather than discounting or shaming them. 00:31:52 - The Role of Educational Leaders  Dr. Craft reminds leaders that their focus should be on the students, not themselves. Turning a blind eye to the needs of students is not who educational leaders should be. They should actively advocate for and support all students. 00:32:15 - Ending on a Powerful Note  Tricia thanks Dr. Craft for sharing her expertise and passion. The conversation serves as a reminder that it is ultimately about the kids and their well-being. Dr. Kraft's insights provide inspiration for educational leaders to prioritize the needs of students.