479: The Playful Path: Igniting Learning & Creativity in Schools and Workplaces with Elizabeth Cushing

Could unlocking our full potential be as simple as integrating play into our daily routines?

 

Join us in this enlightening episode as we delve into the transformative power of play with guest Elizabeth Cushing, CEO of Playworks. Elizabeth shares invaluable insights on why creating safe and engaging environments for play is crucial for the development of children and how these principles can be applied to enhance creativity and productivity in the corporate world.

From discussing traditional education challenges to exploring innovative strategies for bringing play into schools and workplaces, this episode is packed with actionable knowledge. Discover how play can foster human connections, encourage adaptive behaviors, and improve learning outcomes for children and adults alike.

What We Discuss in this Episode

• The critical role of play in creating secure learning environments for kids.
• Overcoming the challenges of traditional education systems.
• Integrating play to cultivate human connection and workplace synergy.
• Leveraging resources from Playworks to bring play into various settings.
• The unexpected benefits of play for creativity, engagement, and learning.
• How a simple coin toss can resolve business decisions effectively.
• Elizabeth’s journey with Playworks and their strategic shift in reaching children.
• The profound impact of adult participation in play on child development.
• Adopting playful approaches to daily activities like waiting in line.
• The interplay of play, innovation, and organizational evolution.

Podcast Highlights

0:00 – Introduction to Elizabeth Cushing and the importance of play

2:28 – Reimagining education with play as the centerpiece

5:54 – Challenges in traditional education and fostering team missions

9:12 – Play at the workplace: More than just fun and games

13:45 – Resources to integrate play: Playworks’ digital toolkit

17:19 – The strategic growth of Playworks with Elizabeth’s leadership

23:07 – A coin toss decision-making anecdote

26:38 – Play’s impact on adult behaviors and corporate hierarchy dynamics

30:02 – Check-in questions before meetings: A Playworks strategy

33:44 – Creativity and adaptability: The understated benefits of play

37:01 – How childhood observations of adults can influence life perspectives

41:05 – Transforming the mundane: Games for waiting lines

44:17 – Asking “What if?” to foster innovation and adaptability in organizations

48:29 – Addressing social delays in children post-pandemic through play

Dive into a transformative conversation with Elizabeth Cushing as she unveils the exciting benefits of incorporating play into every aspect of our lives, from classrooms to board rooms.

Favorite Quotes

Creativity Unleashed: “When we play, we open ourselves up to creativity and learn how to adapt to changing situations, which is invaluable in problem-solving.”

Transforming Education: “By focusing on the quality of play experiences rather than just numbers, we’re ensuring that the next generation is equipped to learn and grow in the best possible way.”

Joy in Simplicity: “Adults playing with kids isn’t just about the fun; it’s about teaching resilience and adaptability in the most natural way.”

Episode Resources

• Website: playworks.org
• Website: recesslab.org 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlayworksRecess
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/playworks/
• Instagram: @playworksrecess
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakeRecessCount
• X/Twitter: @Playworks

Connect with Elizabeth Cushing

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-cushing-7945b68/
• X/Twitter: @eacushing

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