Ep. 4 The Playful Classroom

Introduction Host: Charell G. Coleman Podcast Name: Teacher Talk - The Ultimate Self-Care Podcast for Educators Episode Name: Play in the Classroom Guest: Jed Dearybury, author and educator Highlights Benefits of The Playful Classroom: play fosters creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking in students of all ages; it creates a supportive and engaging learning environment, reducing stress and burnout for educators; play-based learning helps students retain information and form emotional connections to the subject matter. Practical Examples of Play-Based Learning: Jed shares anecdotes and case studies of successful play-based lessons that sparked creativity and joy in students; strategies include sculpting answers, gamifying lessons, and using unconventional materials for learning. Impact on Student Engagement: playful classrooms create a positive and enjoyable learning experience, leading to increased student engagement and participation; students feel motivated to learn and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Conclusion The Playful Classroom is a transformative approach to education that empowers educators to incorporate play-based learning into their teaching methods. Resources such as Jed Dearybury’s book, online courses, and social media offer practical guidance and inspiration for implementing play in the classroom. By embracing play, educators can create an environment where students thrive, learn, and grow while fostering a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. Resources Book: "The Playful Classroom: The Power of Play for All Ages" by Jed Dearybury. This book explores the benefits of play-based learning and provides practical strategies for incorporating play into various subjects and grade levels. It emphasizes the role of play in fostering creativity, problem-solving, and emotional connections to learning. Available on Amazon and other major book retailers. Online Courses: Jed Dearybury offers online courses that provide in-depth guidance on implementing play-based learning in the classroom. Courses cover practical examples, play-based strategies, and ways to integrate play into the curriculum. Check out www.mrdearybury.com for course availability and registration. Social Media: Connect with Jed Dearybury on social media for regular updates, playful ideas, and inspiration. Instagram: @mrdearybury. Facebook: Jed Dearybury - Mr. Dearybury Website: Visit www.mrdearybury.com for additional resources, blog posts, and playful merchandise like stickers and t-shirts. Transcription Full transcription can be found at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w0w4yMCJQz5ekiIcBF0S3zmocOJrRm7p/view?usp=sharing Sponsor This program is funded as a part of a $249,900 FY2022 Congressionally Funded Community Projects grant made to Mount Holyoke that provides 100% of the funding to support the Teaching for Our Moment project to equip educators with the tools and support they need for their own social and emotional wellness and to promote the social, emotional, and academic wellness of their students. The project includes both a one-day teacher conference and a six-month-long professional learning circle with mentorship for K-12 educators.