Today we’re joined by Susan Harris MacKay and Matt Karlson, the people behind the Center for Playful Inquiry. Susan is a former teacher and pedagogical director at Opal School and Portland Children’s Museum. Her recent book, Story Workshop: New Possibilities for Young Writers showcases the relationship between play, art, and writing. Matt is a former teacher, professional development facilitator, and Director of Opal School’s Center for Learning.

Together they formed the Center for Playful Inquiry, which prioritizes play, the arts, and meaning-making to inspire justice, democracy, and beauty. They work with schools, educators, and community members to build these systems. In this podcast, we discuss why imaginative play is deeply connected to learning, and why we must be skeptical of educational products & strategies aimed at controlling the narrative of learning.

Guests

Susan Harris MacKay is a former teacher and pedagogical director at Opal School and Portland Children's Museum. She is the author of Story Workshop: New Possibilities for Young Writers

Matt Karlson is a former teacher, professional development facilitator, and Director of Opal School's Center for Learning.

Resources

• Center for Playful Inquiry's Website
• Story Workshop Studio
• Story Workshop: New Possibilities for Young Writers by Susan Harris MacKay
• School is for learning to live, not just for learning | Susan Harris MacKay | TEDxWestVancouverED