Playing for Social, Emotional and Cognitive Learning with Brandi Heather (Encore Episode)

Today, Maria talks with her friend Brandi Heather, Chief Knowledge Officer at AMPED2PLAY and author of the book Return To Play: Rebuilding Resilience, Risk and Reconnection. 

Brandi is an award-winning Disability and Inclusion Educator and Therapeutic Play Specialist with over 25 years of experience. She began her career as a college and university professor in Kinesiology and Sport Studies specializing in Adapted Physical Education and has been building solutions that meet the physical, cognitive, social and emotional needs of every person. 

Brandi utilizes the power of play to navigate diversity, inclusion, change management, self-care, and mental and physical health. She reveals how play is the catalyst to igniting and developing innovation and productivity and the foundation of moving from diversity to belonging. People and organizations that can play in both times of challenge and success will flourish because they have learned how to build from the unexpected and unknown, a skill built first in play.

Can play be the answer to our most complex social challenges of the 21st century? Play is when we are most open to taking risks because we feel our most capable and confident. In these moments, we are in a state of self-discovery and expression. We are learning, reaching, and attaining new experiences and skills. Being immersed in creative change, we are adapting and developing resilience.

Tune in for a lively conversation between two women passionate about playing and learning!

Listen to this episode and explore:

Introducing Brandi Heather and highlights of today’s episode (1:24)

Learning through play and fort-building in her childhood (2:54)

How her dad inspired her creativity through art (4:10)

Her relationship with school; being the helper and caring for others (5:22)

The decision to study education in college and her experience teaching young kids (7:20)

Creating a new program for students and kids with disabilities (10:38)

Building the course The Integrated Arts Approach to Movement (11:42)

Researching play therapy and designing play-based learning (14:20)

The mission of AMPED2PLAY: the role of movement in our body and mind (17:32)

The role of play in our biological and developmental process (19:25)

How AMPED2PLAY is serving all generations (20:34)

The role of play for our cognitive development through sensory experiences (22:00)

How playing in nature enables self-discovery in children (25:40)

Building skills playing Hide and Seek (27:18)

Why children choose to play in war zones and post-traumatic experiences (28:22)

The social aspect of play: how children choose how to engage (30:50)

The underdeveloped skills in play deprivation (34:08)

Unpacking the implications on mental health in young adults (37:12)

Maria’s reflection on the role of play growing up while attending industrial education (39:04)

How teachers can engage in play-based teaching and learning in their classrooms (40:58)

How to invite adults to participate in play by creating safety and cultivating trust (43:10)

The two different types of play for adults (44:54)

How to create effective team-building activities around play: build a common ground (46:46)

Why play is more essential for employees and organizations today than ever before (49:24)

What Brandi wants to leave her mark on during her lifetime (53:22)

How we can pass on the joy of play (54:13)

Where to find more about Brandi Heather:

Brandi on LinkedIn 

AMPED2PLAY

Amped Training

Mentioned in this episode:

Brandi's NEW book: Return to Play: Rebuilding Resilience, Risk and Reconnection

 Production team:

Host & Producer: Maria Xenidou

Introduction Voice: David Bourne

 Contact us:

impactlearningpodcast(at)gmail.com

 Music credits:

Like Lee performed by The Mini Vandals

Transition sounds: Swamp Walks performed by Jingle Punks