The Playful Lens

The Playful Lens
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✨Shaping minds, connections and creativity through play, playfulnes 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 ), each episode explores how play shapes who we are: in classrooms, communities and beyond. Expect thoughtful chats, laughter and plenty of playful inspiration. Follow the fun on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen. We hope you enjoy. Gillian and Helena

  1. 3D AGO

    The Darker Side of Play: Let’s Talk About Meanness, Aggression and Emotional Growth

    ✨Shapingminds, connections and creativity through play, playfulness and playful learningfor 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 ) Summary In this episode of The Playful Lens, Regina Igoe, a child and adolescent psychotherapist, discusses the significance of play and psychoeducation in child development. Sheemphasises the importance of understanding typical child behaviour, the role of play in exploring emotions, and how children learn conflict resolution through play. Regina also highlights the need for adults to facilitate a safe andsupportive play environment, allowing children to express their emotions and build resilience. The conversation delves into the complexities of aggression and meanness in play, the impact of parenting on children's play experiences, and the necessity of creating a play-friendly environment at home and in schools. You will find moreinformation about Regina and the parenting programmes she is involved in here: https://reggiesplaytherapy.ie/parents/

    47 min

  2. FEB 9

    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 teacher in an Autism Support class, 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 children 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

    40 min

  3. FEB 2

    Navigating Play in A Redeveloped Curriculum: A Primary Inspector'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). The episode explores the shift towards playful learning in a Redeveloped Curriculum, the understanding of play in the curriculum, evidence of learning and assessment, professional responsibility and reflection, and the concepts of consistency and adaptability in teaching. It emphasises the integration of assessment into the teaching process and the importance of being responsive to the context in teaching. The conversation covers the role of the progression continuum as a tool for teachers, the fundamental right of play in childhood, the curriculum's relationship with play, the importance of professional judgment and reflective practice and the message from the inspectorate. Takeaways Playful learning makes assessment more visible, not less.Consistency is about showing up and being responsive to the context, not about doing the same thing as everyone else.Assessment is integral to learning and should be built into the teaching process. Progression Continuum as a tool for teachersPlay as a fundamental right of childhood

    46 min

  4. JAN 26

    Healing Through Play-A Closer Look at the Work of a Play Therapist

    ✨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, Helena discusses her journey to becoming a play therapist, the significance of play therapy in addressing trauma, and the holistic approach to child healing. She emphasizes the importance of personal development for therapists, the process of play therapy, and the role of toys and symbolism in helping children express their emotions. The conversation also touches on the stigma surrounding mental health and the need for parents and teachers to prioritize their own well-being to effectively support children and adolescents. EAS/Counselling - Irish National Teachers' Organisation IAPTP The Children's Therapy Centre 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

    53 min

  5. JAN 19

    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

    51 min

  6. JAN 12

    The Value of Sensory Play with Debbie Cullinane

    ✨Shaping minds, connections and creativity through play, playfulness and playful learning for all✨ In this episode of The Playful Lens, Debbie Cullinane discusses the transformative power of play in education and child development. She emphasizes the importance of sensory play, movement, and understanding children's unique sensory preferences. The conversation highlights how play fosters relationships, supports learning, and contributes to overall wellbeing. Debbie also addresses misconceptions about sensory play being exclusive to neurodivergent children and advocates for its inclusion in all educational settings. The episode concludes with practical tips for integrating play into daily routines and the significance of creating joyful experiences for children. 00:00Introduction to Play Therapy and Its Importance 02:47The Value of Play in Child Development 05:48Understanding Sensory Play and Its Benefits 09:03The Role of Movement in Learning 12:14Navigating Sensory Preferences in Children 14:52Creating Inclusive Play Environments 18:00The Impact of Sensory Play on Well-being 20:49Integrating Play into Educational Settings 24:05Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Play Therapy 31:10The Importance of Sensory Play for Regulation 32:47Differentiation in Learning Through Play 34:37Integrating Play into the Curriculum 38:32Creative Approaches to Learning 41:21The Need for Sensory Breaks 43:12Misconceptions About Sensory Play 46:58Valuing Sensory Play for All Children 48:20Building Relationships Through Play 49:04Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

    45 min

  7. 12/08/2025

    Finding the Star in Every Child: A Playful Approach to Education with Bernie Smyth

    ✨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, Bernie Smyth shares her insights on the importance of play in education. She discusses how play can be a powerful tool for learning, allowing children to express themselves freely and develop their creativity. Bernie emphasises the need for teachers to create engaging and safe environments where students can thrive. She also addresses the challenges teachers face in incorporating play into their classrooms and the importance of mentoring and collaboration among educators. The conversation culminates in a beautiful metaphor about finding the star within each child, highlighting the potential for growth and learning through play. 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

    47 min

  8. 12/01/2025

    Anchoring Play, Key Insights from The Playful Lens

    ✨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. In this solo episode of The Playful Lens, we pause to reflect on the powerful insights shared by our guests so far. From the role of play in the new primary curriculum to practical classroom strategies, parental engagement, and the link between play and wellbeing, this 15-minute recap distils key messages for teachers, parents, and school leaders. Tune in for inspiration and actionable ideas to champion play as a core pedagogy. Hosted by Gillian (@the_glitter_and_coffee_teacher) and Helena (@experiential.wellbeing). 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

    14 min
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About

✨Shaping minds, connections and creativity through play, playfulnes 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 ), each episode explores how play shapes who we are: in classrooms, communities and beyond. Expect thoughtful chats, laughter and plenty of playful inspiration. Follow the fun on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen. We hope you enjoy. Gillian and Helena

Information

  • Creator
    The Playful Lens
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Playful Lens
  • Show Website
    The Playful Lens

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