Most of us were taught that play is what kids get once the real work is done. Liz reckons that's backwards. Play can be the learning itself, and for kids aged 7 to 11 it's often the quickest way in.
Liz is the founder of Playful Learning Games, and in this chat she walks us through games you can run tomorrow with a deck of cards, a handful of dice and a stack of post-it notes. No laminating, no budget, no prep. She also takes on every pushback we've all made. No time. No space. It'll be chaos… it actually turns out play tends to settle a class rather than wind it up!
In this episode, we cover:
- Why play works best as the learning itself, not a reward at the end of the lesson
- The honest answer to "I don't have the time, the space or the resources"
- How play-based math sits alongside curriculum pressure and test prep
- Games using only a deck of cards or dice
- Fun Place Value games you can try with your class
- Teaching fractions with paper plates and Play-Doh
- Why running the same game all week is what makes your expectations stick
What's the topic your class switches off for every single year? Tell us over on Instagram and we'll see if we can dig up a game for it.
Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh
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Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Liz on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok
Playful Learning Games website: www.playfullearninggames.co.uk
2 Weeks 2 Learn website and Instagram
Rainbow Sky’s UNO Math Games.
About Today's Guest
Liz is the founder of Playful Learning Games, which provides printable games and resources to support the teaching of English and math for 6 to 11 year olds, through play. She believes we should all learn through play, no matter our age.
About the Podcaster: Ashleigh Smith
Ashleigh Smith is an experienced primary educator, former school leader and Co-Founder of Rainbow Sky Creations. With almost 20 years in education, Ashleigh has taught in Australia and internationally in Dubai, UAE. Today, she draws on her classroom and leadership experience to create practical, engaging resources that save teachers time and make learning meaningful and fun. A passionate cheerleader for teachers, Ashleigh is all about helping educators work smarter, not harder. She also co-hosts the Rainbow Skies for Teachers podcast, sharing practical ideas, strategies and encouragement with primary teachers around the world. Connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.
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