The Playful Lens

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. 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 conversation on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen. We hope you enjoy. Gillian and Helena

  1. 2d ago

    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

    58 min

  2. Jun 22

    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.

    23 min

  3. Jun 15

    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

    32 min

  4. Jun 8

    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

    40 min

  5. Jun 1

    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

    46 min

  6. May 25

    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

    49 min

  7. May 18

    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/

    44 min

  8. May 11

    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

    32 min
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About

✨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 ), 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 conversation 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
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Playful Lens
  • Show Website
    The Playful Lens

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