306: The Power of Purposeful Play with Dr. Kristen Craft
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
Release Date: 10/16/2023
Rethinking the IQ test with Pepper Stetler
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
On the show this week Jeff and Tricia talk with author, Pepper Stetler about the new book A Measure of Intelligence: One Mother's Reckoning with the IQ Test. Pepper Stetler is a Professor of Art History at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She writes extensively on issues facing people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Slate, The Progressive, the Ploughshares blog and Gulf Coast. Stetler also researches and writes about the art and photography of early twentieth-century Europe and the United States. In 2022, she...
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Special episode: Tricia talks AI
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
This week Shifting Schools is sharing another podcast with you: 🎙️ In this episode of Women Talkin' 'Bout AI, host Dr. Kimberly Becker welcomes Tricia Friedman, an all-around educational innovator who's been doing really future-forward and inclusive work in AI literacy and community building. In this powerful conversation, international educator and neuroqueer futurist Tricia uncovers the profound potential of AI in education while maintaining authentic human connections. Key Insights: -The critical need for AI literacy in K-12 and higher education -Reimagining learning...
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Is taking play seriously the secret to stellar leadership?
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
In this conversation, Tricia and Joel Birch explore the transformative power of Lego Serious Play as a facilitation method. Joel shares his background in music and comedy, discussing how these experiences inform his approach to facilitating workshops. They get into the importance of play in communication, the dynamics of team interactions, and the unique benefits of virtual facilitation. The discussion highlights the role of a facilitator in creating a safe space for expression and the similarities and differences between K-12 education and corporate environments. Joel emphasizes the need for...
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Changing perceptions of manufacturing in schools
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
In this conversation, Jeff Utecht and John Gardner discuss the critical role of manufacturing in the American economy and the importance of education in preparing students for careers in this field. Gardner emphasizes the need to change perceptions of manufacturing, highlighting its high-tech nature and the lucrative opportunities it offers. They explore how K-12 education has shifted away from vocational training, leading to a shortage of skilled workers. The discussion also covers the importance of real-world applications in education and creating pathways for students to succeed in...
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Help all learners bring more creativity into 2025
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
Creativity is essential. On the show this week we loved learning with Crayola's Cheri Sterman. Cheri is here to tell us all about the power of the upcoming Crayola Creativity Week. Educators and families can register free for this event: The conversation centers around Crayola Creativity Week, a free program designed to inspire and celebrate children's creativity. Cheri Sterman discusses the importance of nurturing creativity in children, the role of parents and educators in fostering creative confidence, and practical ways to integrate creativity into daily life. The event features a lineup...
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What we can learn from Outlier schools
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
Erich Bolz is deeply versed in the field-tested Powerless to Powerful transformation frameworks developed by Gonzaga University professors Chuck Salina and Suzann Girtz which, when implemented with fidelity, are proven to increase student achievement and staff satisfaction. Utilizing cognitive coaching approaches, Erich helps school leaders and central office administrators (including Special Education directors) make sense of their day-to-day challenges while fostering transformational breakthroughs in both their work and personal lives. Today on the show Erich and Jeff...
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The potential of AI for multilingual learners
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
In this conversation, Jeff Utecht and Professor Brent Warner explore the intersection of AI and education, particularly focusing on multilingual learners. They discuss how AI can empower students to take control of their learning, the innovative techniques for vocabulary building through prompting, and the importance of teaching prompt engineering skills. Brent shares insights on redesigning rubrics to be more equitable and effective, while also emphasizing the importance of transparency in using AI in educational settings. The conversation culminates in Brent's upcoming book aimed at...
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A New Era in MTSS with AI
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff Utecht interviews Jose, founder and CEO of Neulight, about the transformative potential of AI in education. They discuss IntelliTier, which enhances the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework by simplifying data collection and providing personalized intervention strategies for students. Jose shares insights on the importance of user experience for teachers, the feedback received from early adopters, and the future of data-driven decision-making in education. The conversation emphasizes the need for technology to support educators in their...
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Asking better questions about what is possible with AI
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
In this conversation, Tricia and Laura discuss the intersection of ableism, artificial intelligence, and education. They explore how AI can serve as an assistive device to enhance access and equity, particularly in educational settings. Laura shares personal experiences and insights on how AI can foster curiosity and agency in learners, especially those with disabilities. They also touch on the importance of community support and sharing knowledge to create a more inclusive environment for all. Ready to learn more about our amazing guest? Laura Germishuys is a speaker and disability...
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What can we learn about AI from an archivist?
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
Reed Hepler discusses the changing role of archival work in the era of generative AI. He explains that while some may think archives and AI are incompatible, there are actually many ways in which AI can be useful in archival work. Reed also demystifies the role of archivists, highlighting their responsibility in acquiring, organizing, preserving, and interpreting historical records. He emphasizes the importance of structure, objectives, and perspectives in creating archives and offers insights into how AI can assist in the archival process. Reed also discusses the skills required for archival...
info_outlineIn this episode Dr. Craft shatters misconceptions and reveals the power of gaming for building social-emotional skills. How can educators effectively integrate gaming into their SEL programs?
Are You Ready To Unlock the Power of Gaming?
The power of gaming can be harnessed to forge strong peer connections among students. By instilling the elements of gaming in social-emotional learning, students can be encouraged to reflect on their emotions and reactions in gaming scenarios, apply insights to real-life contexts, and foster belonging within their peer groups. Thus, far from being a mere recreational activity, gaming can be a potent tool for facilitating improved student well-being and social-emotional growth.
Learn more about our amazing guest:
Dr. Kristen Craft has served as a teacher, principal, and district administrator in public education for the past 27 years. A champion of students, Dr. Craft is currently the Scholastic Esports Specialist for Generation Esports. She helps normalize esports in education by supporting schools and districts to create a scholastic esports pipeline.
Mentoring educational leaders, teaching aspiring principals at the university level, presenting at multiple conferences, and connecting with leaders across the country, Kristen knows the impact leaders can have on a school or district. The culmination of her time in administration at both levels represents a lifetime of love spent in the greatest profession.
She is the Gaming Concepts Podcast host and has been featured in several ed leadership podcasts and publications.
Kristen was named the 2021 Kansas Principal of the Year.
Twitter - @KristenEsports @GamingConceptsU @JoinGenEsports @HSELesports
LinkedIn - KristenEsports, Generation Esports
Links explored in this episode
LGBTQ Students Finding Hope in Declining Mental Health via Esports in Schools
https://www.gamingconcepts.gg/
Huge thanks to our amazing Sponsor for this episode!
For highlights from this conversation:
00:06:52 - Gaming as a Tool for Connection and Belonging
Dr. Craft explains how gaming at school provides an opportunity for students to find their peer group, build friendships across different social circles, and strengthen connections, ultimately promoting a sense of belonging.
00:09:31 - Rethinking Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
Dr. Craft reflects on traditional approaches to SEL and suggests that incorporating gaming into SEL programs can make them more authentic and relevant to students. By addressing real-life challenges and experiences in gaming, students can develop skills like anger management and empathy.
00:11:08 - Using Gaming to Teach Emotional Regulation
Dr. Craft shares an example of using gaming to teach emotional regulation. By discussing instances of toxic behavior and anger in gaming, students can learn how to manage their emotions and react appropriately, not only within gaming but also in other aspects of life.
00:15:34 - The Stigma of Video Games
The guest discusses the common misconception and stigma surrounding video games, particularly among parents. She shares her own experience and emphasizes the need to normalize esports in schools.
00:17:21 - Esports and Marginalized Populations
The guest highlights the positive impact of esports on marginalized populations, specifically LGBTQ+ students. She mentions a study that showed significant growth in self-esteem among students who had mental health moments integrated into their gaming concepts curriculum.
00:18:13 - Rapid Transformation with Esports
The guest discusses the transformative effects of implementing esports in schools. She shares the results of a study where students showed tremendous gains in self-esteem within just ten weeks. Esports provides a sense of community and inclusivity for students who may feel marginalized.
00:22:12 - Leadership Skills and Career Opportunities
The guest emphasizes that esports develops leadership skills and opens up career opportunities in a rapidly growing industry. She mentions the diverse range of professions related to gaming, such as chiropractors, accountants, and lawyers. Esports prepares students for the future and helps them become successful adults.
00:25:50 - Getting Started with Esports
The guest encourages educators to reach out for support in getting started with esports. She assures that starting is not as difficult as it may seem and that they can provide guidance and solutions for challenges related to attendance, grades, student engagement, and mental health.
00:30:25 - Combatting Pushback
Dr. Craft discusses the importance of being prepared to combat pushback when championing initiatives for students, such as Esports. Leaders in education may face resistance, but pushing past it can make a tremendous difference in the lives of students.
00:31:16 - Creating a Welcoming Culture
Dr. Craft emphasizes that adding initiatives like Esports can create an inclusive and welcoming culture in schools. It is essential for educational leaders to see and fight for all students, rather than discounting or shaming them.
00:31:52 - The Role of Educational Leaders
Dr. Craft reminds leaders that their focus should be on the students, not themselves. Turning a blind eye to the needs of students is not who educational leaders should be. They should actively advocate for and support all students.
00:32:15 - Ending on a Powerful Note
Tricia thanks Dr. Craft for sharing her expertise and passion. The conversation serves as a reminder that it is ultimately about the kids and their well-being. Dr. Kraft's insights provide inspiration for educational leaders to prioritize the needs of students.