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| Overview: |
Reimagining Agency, Rigour, and Wellbeing in Upper Primary
In the upper years of primary school, the pressure of "readiness" and curriculum coverage often pushes play to the sidelines. This 4-part series invites educators to challenge that dichotomy. We will explore the intentionality behind a playful pedagogy-demonstrating that play is not a "break" from learning, but the very vehicle that drives deep conceptual understanding and student resilience.
Join [Your Name] as we examine how the strategic use of time, space, and materials can shift the classroom culture from one of compliance to one of inquiry. By looking through a lens of "The Playful Pivot," participants will learn to design experiences that lower student anxiety and raise academic standards. |
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| Workshop Goals: |
- Analyse the research-based link between playful mindsets and cognitive "readiness."
- Discover how to pivot standard curriculum into high-engagement, playful encounters.
- Explore the relationship between learner agency and social-emotional well-being in older children.
- Identify documentation strategies that capture rigorous thinking within playful moments.
- Design a coherent, long-term plan where play and academic outcomes are "dancing partners."
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| Weekly Breakdown: |
Week 1: The Foundation of Playful Inquiry
- The Mindset Shift: Redefining "play" for the 9-12 year old learner.
- The Science of Engagement: Understanding how a playful atmosphere unlocks the brain’s potential for complex tasks.
- Democratic Classrooms: The intersection of student agency, listening, and instructional design.
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Week 2: Designing the Playful Culture
- Rhythms and Flow: Moving away from rigid schedules toward intentional, responsive daily rituals.
- Environmental Cues: How physical space and materials can promote independence and "relaxed alertness."
- The Pivot in Practice: Early explorations of transforming "boring" curriculum markers into curious provocations.
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Week 3: The Pedagogy of Play (Deep Dives)
- Conceptual Connections: Moving beyond isolated lessons toward a coherent "bigger picture."
- Scaffolding the Struggle: Using playful metaphors and interactions to navigate the "Learning Pit" and build grit.
- Making the Abstract Concrete: Investigating how hands-on experiences anchor complex literacy and numeracy concepts.
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Week 4: Continuity, Agency, and Assessment
- Documenting the Invisible: Tools for capturing evidence of learning that traditional tests might miss.
- The Empowered Learner: Case studies in student autonomy, self-efficacy, and "lightbulb moments."
- The Road Map Ahead: Finalising your "Playful Manifesto" and sharing the value of this pedagogy with the wider school community.
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| About Kaccey Mayer |
A dedicated and internationally experienced PYP Primary and Early Years Teacher, Coordinator, and IBEN Workshop Leader with over a decade of IB curriculum expertise across Australia, Japan and Switzerland. Skilled in building and leading collaborative teams, supporting school-wide curriculum alignment, and guiding IB evaluations and program development.
Passionate about fostering inquiry-based, play-centred learning environments where every child’s unique interests drive teaching and learning. Committed to mentoring colleagues, facilitating professional development, and cultivating a culture of wonder and reflective practice in education. |
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| Dates & Timings |
January 14th, 21st, 28th & February 4th, 2027
Each Session is for 2 Hours
New York 3:00 am | London 08:00 am | Zurich 09:00 am | Dubai 12:00 pm
India 1:30 pm | Hong Kong 4:00 pm | Melbourne 7:00 pm
Note: This workshop will be recorded
Please click here to check your time for the workshop |
| Investment |
USD 400 Closing Date 10th January 2027
Includes: Certificate of Participation for 10 Professional Development Hours. |
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| Upcoming Workshops |
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| Mathematising with Meaning: Playful Paths to Mathematical Inquiry for Young Learners |
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| February 27th, March 6th, 13th & 20th, 2027 |
| USD 400 |
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