Brad Hook Podcast The Power of Play: Rethinking Learning and Creativity — Dr. Sarah Aiono
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In This Episode
Dr. Sarah Aiono is one of Aotearoa New Zealand's foremost experts in play pedagogy, pioneering a movement to make education more child-centered, engaging, and effective. As CEO of Longworth Education, Sarah has developed transformative teaching frameworks that are reshaping classrooms across New Zealand, Canada, and India. She is a passionate advocate for play-based learning, helping educators balance curriculum demands with developmentally appropriate practices. In this episode, Sarah shares why play is not just for kids, how it enhances creativity and resilience, and how we can introduce more play into both education and work.
Big Ideas
🎓 The limitations of traditional education and why the current system is outdated
🧠 How play rewires the brain for better learning and retention
💡 The role of play in developing resilience, creativity, and problem-solving skills
🏫 What play pedagogy looks like in classrooms and how it benefits all students, including neurodiverse learners
👩🏫 How teachers can balance academic rigor with child-led exploration
🌍 The cultural and social significance of play in human development
⚡ How play enhances adult productivity, well-being, and innovation
🌳 The magic of forest schools and why outdoor learning environments are so powerful
🤖 The intersection of play and AI: Can technology enhance experiential learning?
📉 The dangers of eliminating play and over-focusing on standardized testing
🛠️ Practical tips to integrate play into your daily life, whether you're an educator, parent, or professional
Connect with Dr. Sarah Aiono