161. Can More Play Time Make Your Kid Smarter? Elizabeth Cushing on the Power of Play

Learning is a risky business that requires trying new things and being ready to fail. Play has many benefits for children, including improved language and problem-solving skills, perseverance, and creativity. However, not all kids have access to play due to budget cuts and program reductions. This episode explores the impact of play on children's development and well-being, how play can create equity in education, and ways to ensure all students have access to play. In this episode, Elizabeth Cushing, CEO of Playworks, joins Kevin P. Chavous to discuss the importance of play in education. 0:00 Introduction to Play in Education 2:30 Elizabeth's Background 4:00 Play-Based Approaches: Finland vs. US 5:30 Science of Play and Child Development 7:30 Playworks Overview 10:00 Playworks Games and Techniques 11:30 Results in Schools 13:00 Addressing Educational Challenges 15:30 Promoting Play in Education 17:30 Partnerships with School Districts 18:30 Resources for Educators and Parents -----------------------------------------------  This is, What I Want to Know. Join the conversation using #WIWTK on social media and be sure to leave a review! WIWTK X (Twitter) – https://x.com/wiwtkpodcast WIWTK Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast WIWTK Instagram –https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/   Now Streaming: Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-i-want-to-know-with-kevin-p-chavous/id1561682450 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/5KkzBkzDhmQB8VNrDtP3BF Amazon Music – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/01336bdd-f957-4d96-af5a-35538859e65d/what-i-want-to-know-with-kevin-p-chavous

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Welcome to ‘What I Want to Know’, one of the most downloaded K-12 education podcasts in the country! Listen in with our host, Kevin P. Chavous, as he connects with innovators and leaders who share practical, transformative solutions to the biggest challenges in education today. As America rethinks the future of schooling, Kevin explores emerging needs and possibilities, for students and educators alike, through short, stimulating conversations. Subscribe to ‘What I Want to Know’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform, and leave a rating and review so we can bring you more of the topics you want to hear about!