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#22 - The One About Using Play to Connect with Lael Stone
In this insightful episode of Podclass, hosts Amanda, Skye, and Wil welcome Lael Stone—educator, speaker, and founder of Woodline Primary—to dive deep into the transformational role of play in connecting with students. Lael, often called “Australia’s Brené Brown,” sheds light on how integrating play into education fosters emotional resilience, promotes well-being, and strengthens the connection between teachers and students. Lael shares methods and examples for harnessing the power of play to create a supportive, engaging, and empathetic classroom environment that resonates with learners at all levels.
Episode Highlights:
1. Why Play Matters in Education
Lael emphasises that play is more than a break from structured learning; it’s an essential tool for emotional expression, cognitive development, and social bonding. Play provides students with a natural way to process emotions and experiences, especially during challenging situations. Lael discusses how using play as a healing practice allows students to make sense of their world, feel more connected, and foster resilience.
2. Play as a Means for Learning, Healing, and Connection
In discussing the psychological and developmental impact of play, Lael outlines its power to support children through trauma and help them work through stress and anxiety. She explains that play therapy is an effective method used to process trauma, noting that play helps children verbalise and symbolise experiences that they may not have words for yet.
3. Practical Strategies for Incorporating Play in the Classroom
Lael provides concrete strategies to create a playful classroom environment, offering practical examples that educators can easily implement:
- Role-Playing and Storytelling
- Physical Play and Movement
- Choice and Autonomy
4. Shifting Classroom Dynamics Through Playful Learning
Lael highlights that learning through play invites teachers and students to collaborate on setting goals and boundaries. This approach nurtures a culture of curiosity, leading to higher engagement and willingness to participate. Play teaches children valuable negotiation, empathy, and collaboration skills—qualities essential for personal and academic growth.
5. Embracing Play for All Ages
Play is not only for young children; Lael insists it’s just as valuable for teenagers and adults.
Memorable Moments:
- The Woodline Primary Approach
Lael discusses how Woodline Primary School supports play and curiosity across all grade levels, promoting a child-led learning environment.
- Redefining Traditional Metrics in Education
The conversation turns to the challenges of quantifying emotional well-being, creativity, and self-awareness in a data-driven education system. Lael argues for recognising anecdotal evidence and fostering a more balanced approach to measuring success.
- Creating Safe Spaces for Emotional Exploration
Lael shares the Woodline Primary practice of holding compassionate “listening sessions” that allow students to explore their thoughts and feelings in a judgment-free environment.
Key Takeaways:
- Play for Connection: Play is an unparalleled tool for bonding, building trust, and establishing a supportive teacher-student relationship.
- Empathy Through Engagement: Playful learning allows students to express and regulate their emotions, leading to healthier classroom dynamics and greater social cohesion.
- Encouraging Autonomy and Joy: By embracing a playful approach to learning, educators can help students become enthusiastic, lifelong learners with the confidence to explore and pursue their unique interests.
About Lael Stone
- Website: Lael Stone
- School: Woodline Primary
- Instagram: @laelstone
Our Organisations
- YEP: https://youthengagementproject.com/
- YLAA: www.ylaaus.com
View all episodes
By Amanda Marshall, Skye Hughes and Wil MassaraIn this insightful episode of Podclass, hosts Amanda, Skye, and Wil welcome Lael Stone—educator, speaker, and founder of Woodline Primary—to dive deep into the transformational role of play in connecting with students. Lael, often called “Australia’s Brené Brown,” sheds light on how integrating play into education fosters emotional resilience, promotes well-being, and strengthens the connection between teachers and students. Lael shares methods and examples for harnessing the power of play to create a supportive, engaging, and empathetic classroom environment that resonates with learners at all levels.
Episode Highlights:
1. Why Play Matters in Education
Lael emphasises that play is more than a break from structured learning; it’s an essential tool for emotional expression, cognitive development, and social bonding. Play provides students with a natural way to process emotions and experiences, especially during challenging situations. Lael discusses how using play as a healing practice allows students to make sense of their world, feel more connected, and foster resilience.
2. Play as a Means for Learning, Healing, and Connection
In discussing the psychological and developmental impact of play, Lael outlines its power to support children through trauma and help them work through stress and anxiety. She explains that play therapy is an effective method used to process trauma, noting that play helps children verbalise and symbolise experiences that they may not have words for yet.
3. Practical Strategies for Incorporating Play in the Classroom
Lael provides concrete strategies to create a playful classroom environment, offering practical examples that educators can easily implement:
- Role-Playing and Storytelling
- Physical Play and Movement
- Choice and Autonomy
4. Shifting Classroom Dynamics Through Playful Learning
Lael highlights that learning through play invites teachers and students to collaborate on setting goals and boundaries. This approach nurtures a culture of curiosity, leading to higher engagement and willingness to participate. Play teaches children valuable negotiation, empathy, and collaboration skills—qualities essential for personal and academic growth.
5. Embracing Play for All Ages
Play is not only for young children; Lael insists it’s just as valuable for teenagers and adults.
Memorable Moments:
- The Woodline Primary Approach
Lael discusses how Woodline Primary School supports play and curiosity across all grade levels, promoting a child-led learning environment.
- Redefining Traditional Metrics in Education
The conversation turns to the challenges of quantifying emotional well-being, creativity, and self-awareness in a data-driven education system. Lael argues for recognising anecdotal evidence and fostering a more balanced approach to measuring success.
- Creating Safe Spaces for Emotional Exploration
Lael shares the Woodline Primary practice of holding compassionate “listening sessions” that allow students to explore their thoughts and feelings in a judgment-free environment.
Key Takeaways:
- Play for Connection: Play is an unparalleled tool for bonding, building trust, and establishing a supportive teacher-student relationship.
- Empathy Through Engagement: Playful learning allows students to express and regulate their emotions, leading to healthier classroom dynamics and greater social cohesion.
- Encouraging Autonomy and Joy: By embracing a playful approach to learning, educators can help students become enthusiastic, lifelong learners with the confidence to explore and pursue their unique interests.
About Lael Stone
- Website: Lael Stone
- School: Woodline Primary
- Instagram: @laelstone
Our Organisations
- YEP: https://youthengagementproject.com/
- YLAA: www.ylaaus.com