Oak Foundation’s Post

For 40 years, #CAST has redefined possibilities for learners like George. 🌟 From one-on-one support to UDL’s transformative power, our work proves education can be equitable for all. Learn more in this feature by Oak Foundation 👇🏽 https://lnkd.in/eeGDXpmX

🌟 The Power of Play: Unleashing Creativity in the Classroom 🌟 As I was observing my children’s play today at home I couldn’t help smile as their imaginations (and most of my belongings) literally took over most of the house! It reminded me of the children in my class and how they absolutely love to use the whole classroom to fully emerge themselves in their play when they can… and how a younger and more inexperienced ‘me’ used to tell them “no, that belongs in the maths area so go and put that back” or “no that water does not belong in the sand, we don’t mix it up” (Oh the shame! 🙈) However, if I could go back in time to my first year of being a EYFS specialist I would remind myself that In today's structured educational environment, it's crucial to remember the incredible value of giving children the freedom to play. 💕 By allowing them to use and move everyday objects—like a shoe or a cushion—in their imaginative scenarios, we unlock a world of creativity and learning. Psychologically, giving children the freedom to play fosters emotional resilience, enhances cognitive development, and boosts social skills. It allows them to explore, experiment, and understand the world around them in a meaningful way. An un-zoned classroom, or at least one that permits crossing boundaries—where items from the 'maths zone' can join imaginative play—is essential for enriching learning experiences. It is also extremely funny as well to see what children create when they have the freedom to do so! Why confine learning to regulated zones when it can be fun and free? Let's champion a classroom environment where creativity knows no bounds and every object holds endless possibilities! 🎨🧩 #PlayBasedLearning #CreativeClassrooms #EducationInnovation #ChildhoodDevelopment #LearningThroughPlay

"Imagineers know the importance of play; it is the basic need that we transform into three-dimensional experiences for our guests." John Hench When planning a learning environment of any sort, it's important that you provide students with a place and space for play.   In fact, research has consistently revealed that play is a critical component of childhood development, and that it can have a positive impact on academic performance, social skills, physical health, and well-being. Yet play isn't just for children. It's value is just as important for teens and adults as well.   The following are just a few of the many benefits of intentionally incorporating play into learning that we explore in The Imagineering Education Course: ____________________ Enhances Cognitive Development Play helps children develop their cognitive skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and decision-making. Improves Social Skills Play provides opportunities for children to interact with their peers, practice social skills, and develop friendships. Reduces Stress Play helps reduce stress and promotes mental health in children, which can lead to better academic performance. Increases Physical Activity Play encourages physical activity and helps promote healthy lifestyles in children, which can improve their overall health and well-being. Enhances Academic Performance Play-based learning has been shown to improve academic performance in children, particularly in subjects such as math and science. Fosters Independence and Self-Regulation Play provides opportunities for children to practice self-regulation, decision-making, and independence, which are important skills for success in school and beyond. We know play is beneficial to learning, but how does it practically look within our classrooms and schools? We'll explore those ideas, along with many others, in The Imagineering Education Course, a ground-breaking, self-paced e-course designed to empower and equip teachers, administrators, and anyone else who is passionate about creating impactful experiences and spaces for learners of all ages. Join us for this exciting journey as we reimagine what teaching and learning can look like, inspired by the innovative techniques of Disney's Imagineers and other creative dreamers. Click the link below to learn more and save 60% off our regular price during our early Black Friday Sale. https://lnkd.in/e3js66JZ #Teachers #EdLeadership #Education #Classrooms #Schools #ImmersiveDesign

Post-Speech reflections from education client, Lexonik - literacy at the speed of sound. Days like these are always interesting for seeing what comms scope will arise from the various stated bills. #kingsspeech #PR #thoughtleadership

At Success Academy Charter Schools in NYC, setting a high bar for students isn't just a strategy—it's a belief in their potential. By challenging students to reach higher, they're fostering self-efficacy, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Find out how this approach is empowering students and why families are choosing these schools for greater opportunities! #EducationMatters #StudentSuccess #HighExpectations #GrowthMindset #SchoolCulture #EdLeadership #FutureReady #InspiringEducation #EdChat #CharterSchools #EdReform #EnglishLanguageTeaching

All education is collaborative.

GREAT ADVICE FOR EDUCATORS Yesterday I was invited to an event for parents at a local junior school. Unfortunately, only one parent turned up to a hall full of professionals. The school decided to then send the children round. Awesome idea 👏👏👏 I seized this opportunity with both hands!!! I decided to ask the children that came to me two questions: 1: if they could advise teachers of one thing that would make education better, what would that advice be? 2: why would they give that advice? HERE IS THE ADVICE THEY GAVE: Do more work on devices because it is how we are used to working Give less homework or create more opportunities to do this work whilst at school Teachers to be nicer by being more flexible, more understanding and using a nicer tone (not shouting) Have things like ear defenders available for all for when someone needs quiet time Make education more fun Use different sorts of learning, such as acting out stories Have more breaks for getting fresh air to support concentration Have brain breaks during classes to relieve stress and improve remembering Respect different people’s personalities to stop people being upset Have more physical activities so that people who like to learn this way can learn better Treat people how you would like to be treated To have a school dog/mascot – to calm people who sit with it Wherever possible, these are the exact words used by the children. All of what the children advised fits an inclusive and quality first practice agenda. It also fits in with a lot of the research about engaging children in classroom learning. None of the children were prepared for this conversation and my questions were open and simple. I was so impressed with these children. They were brilliant and obviously have a very self-aware understanding about what they need to achieve their full potential. They were a credit to their parents and school. It is important that they and children like them are listened to. Are you listening? #advice #adviceforteachers #teachingandlearning #takingopportunities #learning #SEMH #inclusion #qualityfirstpractice

🌱 Embracing Froebel's Vision in Nurturing Young Minds 🌿🔍 Reflecting on my journey through the lens of Friedrich Froebel's pedagogical views has been an enlightening experience. 📚 As an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) educator, I've found profound resonance in aligning my practice with Froebel's enduring ideals, particularly in my pursuit of the Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). 🎓 Froebel's principles of unity, play, and the interconnectedness of children with nature serve as guiding beacons in my approach to early childhood education. By fostering child-led activities tailored to individual interests and encouraging immersive experiences in nature, I aim to nurture holistic development in young learners. 🌳 Observation and non-verbal cues play a pivotal role in understanding and supporting children's self-directed learning journeys. Tuning into these subtle signals allows me to craft enriching experiences that empower children to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace. 🌱 In embracing Froebel's philosophy of nature as an early years teacher, I provide open-ended resources that invite children to engage in unbounded interactions with the natural world. Through hands-on exploration and play, they construct their understanding of the world, fostering curiosity and awe. 🌎 Through my work, I respect each child's distinct interests, skills, and developmental stage and work to create a culture of confidence and belonging. Through adopting Froebel's concept of self-directed learners, my aim is to enable children to develop into thoughtful and perceptive individuals. 🌱 As I integrate Froebel's pedagogical views with my professional practice, I find affirmation in nurturing nature-embracing young minds within our educational ecosystem. 🌿 #EYFS #EYTS #EarlyYearsEducation #Preschool #Froebel #NatureBasedLearning #ChildLedLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment #ReflectivePractice 

SPR’s Heather Lewis Charp and Nikkolette Hunter partnered with Envision Learning Partners (ELP) to create in-depth case studies of secondary schools with positive outcomes for Black and Latine students who have learning disabilities and/or who are English learners. Early next year, ELP will release the case study that describes inclusion-focused practices, such as team teaching, competency-based assessment, project-based learning, and the creation of a flexible student-centered learning environment.

Highly recommend the insights of this article, which at its end describes the potent reorganizing of values and experiences for which we advocate at WholeHealthED “Increasing children’s social-emotional wellbeing and happiness, while fostering foundational learning — that’s something we should all line up for.” Next we can add embracing the joy children actually experience in #schoolgarden education. And make that connection from pre-school play years.