Vertical Playpen

Phil and Jerry Kolber (producer of the tv show Brain Games, and the podcast Who Smarted?) explore the intersection of play and education, sharing personal anecdotes and insights on how to make learning more engaging and relatable. They discuss the importance of memorable moments in life, the role of play in education, and the inspiration behind the show 'Brain Games.' Jerry emphasizes the need for humor and relatability in teaching, while also highlighting the impact of educational content on young audiences. The conversation concludes with reflections on sustaining passion in education and crafting engaging learning experiences. Play is essential for effective learning and engagement. Memorable moments shape our experiences and learning paths. Education should be fun and relatable to spark curiosity. Humor can significantly enhance the learning experience. Experiential learning allows for creativity and critical thinking. Creating opportunities for play in education can lead to better outcomes. The education system needs to evolve to meet modern needs. Engaging content can inspire students to pursue their passions. Sustaining passion in education is crucial for both educators and students. Connect with Jerry - jerry.kolber@atomicentertainment.com  Listen to Who Smarted? - https://whosmarted.com/ Connect with Phil - podcast@high5adventure.org Podcast instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/ Music and sound effects - https://www.epidemicsound.com/

In this episode, guest host Anne Louise Wagner and Honor Woodrow (Winston Prouty Center) discuss the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, emphasizing the importance of viewing children as capable and competent learners. They explore how the environment plays a crucial role in facilitating learning and how educators can create engaging spaces that promote exploration and play. The conversation also touches on the challenges educators face in adopting child-led learning approaches within structured educational systems, highlighting the need for balance between freedom and structure in teaching. This conversation explores the themes of trust, risk, empowerment, and conflict resolution in education. The speakers discuss the importance of allowing children to take risks in their learning, the biases educators may hold, and the concept of 'lighthouse parenting' as a guiding philosophy. They emphasize the value of conflict as a learning tool and the emotional aspects of education, advocating for a supportive environment where all emotions are valid and children have the right to learn and express themselves.   The Reggio Emilia approach emphasizes children's capabilities from birth. Learning is co-constructed through play and exploration. The environment should be intentionally designed to foster learning. Facilitators must be responsive to children's interests and needs. Child-led learning does not mean a lack of structure. Cultural context influences educational practices and philosophies. Educators face challenges in letting go of control in the classroom. Documentation of learning processes is essential for reflection. Building relationships is key to effective learning environments. The goal is to support children in becoming healthy members of society. Trust is essential in educational settings. Risk-taking is a crucial part of learning. Educators must be prepared for potential risks. Children need to experience challenges to learn effectively. Biases can be positive and aligned with values. Empowerment and autonomy are key in education. Lighthouse parenting offers a balanced approach. Conflict can be a valuable learning opportunity. Emotional experiences are integral to learning. All children have the right to learn and express emotions. Connect with Honor - honor@winstonprouty.org  Connect with Anne Louise - alwagner@high5adventure.org Connect with Phil - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/ Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

In this engaging conversation, Phil and Toby Segar explore the themes of connection, passion, and the importance of experiential education. They discuss how sharing personal interests can foster deeper connections, the role of failure in learning, and the significance of vulnerability in adventure. The conversation also delves into the perception of risk and how childhood experiences shape our understanding of it, ultimately emphasizing the value of embracing challenges and learning from mistakes. They alson discuss the importance of allowing children to experience risk to foster confidence and resilience, the psychological implications of safety measures in climbing, and the evolution of public perception towards parkour. The dialogue emphasizes the balance between managing risk and encouraging growth through experiential learning.   Failure is an integral part of the learning process. Vulnerability can enhance connections in adventure sports. Experiential education allows for creative learning opportunities. Risk perception is often influenced by societal norms. Childhood experiences shape our understanding of risk. It's important to create environments where people can explore without fear. The relationship with one's ego evolves over time. Sharing vulnerabilities can make experiences more relatable. Engaging with risk can lead to personal growth and confidence. Allowing children to experience risk fosters confidence. Risk homeostasis can lead to increased danger despite safety measures. The perception of safety can create a false sense of security. Experiential learning is crucial for personal development. Public perception of parkour has evolved positively over time. Understanding risk is essential in adventure sports. Failing often and learning from it is key to growth. Community engagement can shift perceptions of extreme sports. Teaching risk management is more beneficial than eliminating risk. The journey of skill development takes time and experience. Check out Storror's Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@STORROR Toby Segar on Instagram - @tobysegar Connect with Phil; Email - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and Sound effects - https://www.epidemicsound.com/  

* The conversation in this episode is focused on gender. We both acknowledge that gender identity exists on a spectrum but will be discussing gender specifically as the socialized binary of male and female.   This conversation explores the challenges and dynamics of gender roles and expectations in outdoor education. Dr. Steve Sassaman shares personal experiences and insights on how societal norms influence behavior in outdoor settings, the importance of role modeling, and the need for inclusivity in outdoor programs. The discussion highlights the shifting dynamics in participation and leadership roles, particularly among women, and emphasizes the importance of addressing privilege and identity in creating a more equitable outdoor experience. In this conversation, Phil and Steve explore the complexities of masculinity in outdoor education, the importance of redefining challenges to increase accessibility, and the need for intentional programming that prioritizes mental health and community building. They emphasize the value of critique and continuous learning in teaching, advocating for a humble approach that fosters trust and genuine connections with students.   Challenging gender roles is crucial in outdoor education. Personal experiences shape our understanding of gender dynamics. Intentionality in shaping outdoor experiences can challenge norms. Masculinity can be expressed positively without dominance. Role modeling is essential for fostering inclusivity. Privilege can be used to empower marginalized voices. Inclusivity in outdoor spaces benefits everyone. Gender diversity is increasing in outdoor programs. We must address safety concerns for all participants. Creating true inclusion requires ongoing dialogue and reflection. Ego and socialized norms around masculinity are pervasive in outdoor education. Redefining challenges can increase accessibility for all participants. Intentional programming should prioritize mental health and community building. Saying 'no' can be just as impactful as pushing through challenges. Critique is essential for growth and improvement in outdoor education. Building trust requires humility and a willingness to learn from students. The history of outdoor education often overlooks contributions from women and people of color. Creating space for critical thought enhances the learning experience. Outdoor educators should focus on human skills alongside technical skills. Continuous learning is vital for educators to remain effective and relatable. Connect with Steve - steven.sassaman@asu.edu  Connect with Phil; Email - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and Sound effects - https://www.epidemicsound.com/  

In this conversation, Phil and Mark Collard (Playmeo) delve into the critical elements of effective icebreakers and team-building activities. They explore why many icebreakers fail, emphasizing the importance of fun, interaction, and creating a non-threatening environment. Mark shares his insights on the five key elements that contribute to successful icebreakers, encouraging facilitators to focus on nourishing participants' souls and ensuring activities are engaging and comfortable. The discussion highlights the need for facilitators to be mindful of participants' experiences and to create opportunities for genuine connection. In this conversation, Mark and Phil explore the essential elements of effective icebreakers and group activities. They discuss the importance of choosing what to share, connecting through technology, and the need for simplicity in instructions. The duo emphasizes creating a success-oriented environment that fosters interaction and vulnerability while aligning activities with the group's goals. They also introduce a litmus test for evaluating icebreakers and conclude with a recap of the key principles for successful group engagement.   Icebreakers often fail due to poor execution. Fun is essential for effective icebreakers. Activities should be highly interactive to engage participants. Non-threatening environments foster better connections. Facilitators should avoid introducing activities by name. Comfort zones are crucial for participant engagement. Public speaking is a common fear that should be considered. Renaming icebreakers doesn't solve the underlying issues. Activities should nourish participants' souls. Building relationships is the ultimate goal of icebreakers. You can choose what to share based on comfort. Technology can enhance personal connections. Simplicity in instructions is crucial for engagement. Activities should be success-oriented, focusing on interaction. The litmus test helps evaluate the effectiveness of icebreakers. Align activities with the group's goals for better outcomes. Activities can be adapted to fit different contexts. Understanding the 'why' behind activities is essential. All five principles of engagement are interrelated. Success metrics should focus on energy and vulnerability. Check out playmeo - https://www.playmeo.com/ Connect with Mark - ceo@playmeo.com Connect with Phil; Email - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - https://www.epidemicsound.com/

In this episode, Phil reflects on his recent conference presentation experience, sharing five key strategies to ease anxiety and enhance effectiveness when presenting at workshops. He emphasizes the importance of engaging with attendees, choosing scalable activities, focusing on participants, planning effectively, and managing time during presentations. Phil encourages listeners to reach out for feedback and support as they prepare for their own presentations.   I experience a lot of anxiety when presenting. Engaging with attendees helps reduce anxiety. Choose activities that can scale with group size. Focus on those who choose to participate. Less is more, but plan for more activities. Start presentations on time, even if attendees are late. End presentations five minutes early to allow for transitions. Workshops should prioritize sharing information. Feedback and support are crucial for improvement. Continuous practice leads to improvement in presenting. Reach out to Phil; email - podcast@high5adventure.org instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/ Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com  

In this episode, Phil and Lisa engage in a fun guessing game where they explore memorable moments and guilty pleasures shared by the High 5 staff. This is an episode produced for our staff to listen to and play along while traveling to our annual retreat. Feel free to play along by downloading the scoresheet below. SCORESHEET - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GSRDGzpJroSCmHcIDxZwVkGfRnNWKcEAapQYZQFbmqI/edit?usp=sharing Connect with Phil email - podcast@high5adventure.org instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

In this conversation, Phil and Professor Colin Beard delve into the evolving landscape of experiential learning, discussing its significance, challenges, and the role of educators. They explore the importance of understanding the learning experience, the impact of space and senses, and the necessity of bridging academic knowledge with practical application. The dialogue emphasizes the need for continuous improvement in teaching methods and encourages new educators to embrace their passion for learning and teaching.   Experiential learning is gaining traction in educational settings. The history of experiential learning reveals its complex evolution. Understanding the learning experience is crucial for effective education. Senses play a vital role in how we learn and experience the world. Imagination is key to engaging students in learning. There is a need to bridge the gap between academia and practical experience. Educators must embrace their role as facilitators of learning. Continuous improvement is essential for effective teaching. Asking questions is fundamental to the learning process. New educators should pursue their passion and seek out experiences. Connect with Colin - colbeard2@outlook.com  Connect with Phil -  email - podcast@high5adventure.org instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/ Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

In this conversation, Phil and Mark Collard discuss the essential props that facilitators should carry to enhance their sessions. They explore the versatility and functionality of these tools, emphasizing the importance of emotional literacy and connection in group settings. The discussion highlights specific props, their uses, and the impact they have on facilitating meaningful interactions among participants. Props are essential for effective facilitation. Versatility of props allows for multiple uses in activities. Emotional tools help in building connections. Ubuntu cards are a top choice for facilitators. Weekendit cards offer a simple yet effective resource. Rope can be used in various activities and settings. Decks of cards can facilitate interaction and vulnerability. Emotional literacy is crucial for both young people and adults. Using props can transform the perception of activities. Facilitators can create hundreds of activities with a few tools. Mark's Top 5;  Ubuntu Cards (AUS) - https://www.playmeo.com/shop/ubuntu-cards/ We Connect Cards - https://weand.me/product/we-connect-cards/ or https://www.playmeo.com/shop/weconnect-cards/ Rope/Webbing - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/rope-cord Playing Cards Emoji Cards - https://store.high5adventure.org/products/emoji-cards or https://www.playmeo.com/shop/emoji-cards/ Phil's Top 5; Ubuntu Cards (US) - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/facilitation-tools/products/ubuntu-cards Spot Markers - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/props-throwables/products/spot-markers Rope/Webbing - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/rope-cord Emotions Cards - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/facilitation-tools/products/emotions-by-high-5 Fleece Balls/Tossable items - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/props-throwables/products/fleece-balls-pack-of-6 Additional Resources -  Playmeo - https://www.playmeo.com/ Raccoon Circles - https://www.teamworkandteamplay.com/resources/new_rc_document_2011_final.pdf Connect with Mark - ceo@playmeo.com Connect with Phil - podcast@high5adventure.org Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com        

In this conversation, Phil and Jo Lee explore the concept of creative confidence, its roots in drama education, and the importance of arts in fostering self-worth and community. Jo shares her journey from being a drama teacher to advocating for the arts, discussing the transformative power of drama in education and the challenges faced in integrating arts into school curriculums. They delve into the significance of experiential learning, the fight for recognition of the arts, and the personal struggles with confidence and imposter syndrome. The discussion emphasizes the need for community support and the journey of self-discovery in building confidence and articulating one's skills. Creative confidence is essential for personal and professional growth. Drama serves as a powerful tool for building confidence. The arts are often undervalued in education despite their benefits. Experiential learning enhances engagement and skill acquisition. Transformative moments in drama can lead to significant personal development. The fight for drama in schools continues amidst standardized testing pressures. Confidence is not synonymous with extroversion; quiet confidence is equally valid. Community support plays a crucial role in enhancing self-worth. Building in success can help individuals recognize their strengths. Self-reflection is key to overcoming imposter syndrome and finding one's voice. Learn more about Jo - https://www.joleecreativity.com/ Connect with Jo - jo@joleecreativity.com Connect with Phil - podcast@high5adventure.org Find us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/ Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com