Games transform classes, transform families and can change the life of a child by adding fun to development, socializing, math, language, reading.  Games have it all.  Most classrooms have games, but they are dated.  Here I meet with 2 entrepreneurs who have a passion for promoting the love of games.  Teachers, parents and kids alike, this is an episode for everyone.

This summer, summer camps, a source of much fun and games are largely canceled.  In my personal commitment to bringing fun to kids and promotion of games and their design, I have created an online summer camp called Cool Coderz. We focus on playing role playing games and other aspects of game creation, learning to program our own online games with coding.

Nik, owner operator can be reached at Gamerz Cafe.  It has the largest source of of board games accessible in a family setting for everyone to enjoy and learn before buying.  The location is a dying breed and CoViD-19 has hit the cafe hard.  We are supporting driving traffic to his Go Fund Me page. 

Matt Pinchuk, co-founder of All Aboard Games offers programmes that bring the awareness of newer modern games directly into the classroom.  Matt has also helped me write a great blog post with more suggestions not mentioned in the podcast.  You can read the podcast over at our site at joyofteaching.life.

Enjoy!

Peter

This is a mega-episode with about an hour of content that is a rare find. Find a coffee and some time to devote to your self, if its too much in one sitting, use that pause button and come back.  In episode 4, Chantal Cook outlines her model of dealing with both students and their parents that if applied and integrated into your own practise truly has the power to make your professional life easier, far less stressful and much much more joyful.  I believe that 80 - 90% of our stress as teachers can be traced back with our challenges in dealing with a difficult child or difficult parent.  Chantal doesn't believe either exist and after listening to this podcast, neither will you.  This podcast is dedicated to Chantal's late mother, Louise.  Thanks Louise! :)

I have been on Facebook, connecting with teachers I know as well as connecting with listeners and meeting new friends.  Although I haven't asked anyone for purposes of this podcast, 'What are you doing?' The question inevitably comes up in our conversation.  I thought it made for a great exploration because we teachers often have the right to complain we don't have the time....and we normally don't.  With school closures, we suddenly do.  What are you doing?  If you needed ideas, this episode is for you.

This was not the plan for episode 2.  I was going to speak on the best and worst of teaching.  Enter Corona virus CoVid-19.  This, this has to indeed be the worst.  Never before has our social landscape changed so drastically so quickly post WWII.  I am doing a special spotlight in this episode on what the changes mean for teachers, learners and everyone else.  This episode is about keeping it together:  mental sanity, learning, social bonds, and a sense of peace during a most difficult time for us all.  You will learn about me a bit more, but mostly this episode is about one of the most important joys gained from teaching which is bringing us all together.  Peace.

Everything happens when it needs to and this podcast has been a work in progress for a few years now.  I am excited to finally present to you the first episode of Joy of Teaching!  In this first episode I will outline why I was inspired to create this podcast, what the content will be and how you can participate in shaping the direction as we go forward.  Episode 1 is me opening up the hood, piercing behind the scenes and allowing you to better get to know your humble host, me. Finally we will wrap up with our very first technology - being grateful for the here and now.  

Uh and oh yes, the quote I cite was written by Truman Capote.  What a powerful wisdom!

Check out more at joyofteaching.life