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Winnie Muriithi's avatar

I couldn’t agree more! I use lesson plans as a guide not a death sentence 😆😆. As a creative I believe that one of our greatest gifts is really in thinking creatively and on our feet. That’s why the arts play a special role in unlocking that potential in everyone. Learner centered teaching is key in achieving the ultimate satisfaction in both the student and the teacher. It might look dodgy at first but it’s not too long to notice the results. A happy learner is equals to an inspirational teacher which is the balance we should always strive for.

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Jimmy Nyakora's avatar

Well put... Lesson plans provide structure. But the limitations are what we need to, as you say, "think and adapt on our feet."

Plans can become stale without imagination 😷

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Jan Peppler's avatar

All so true!! And I love how Nita taught you something. Leave it to kids - they always do! (if we're willing to listen and learn) :)

Carla Hannaford, PhD has two books on this topic: Smart Moves, Why Learning is Not All in Your Head and Playing in the Unified Field: Raising & Becoming Conscious, Creative Human Beings. I actually quoted the first in my dissertation on Home. Good stuff. When we learn through play, we're more likely for the learning to stick!

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Jimmy Nyakora's avatar

Jan, I appreciate your comments and thank you for always reading :)

In what context do you quote the book in your dissertation?

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Jan Peppler's avatar

In relationship to how home becomes imprinted on us in our youth. We discover our 'place' / our home / our landscape when we play This is more than just good feelings. Our understanding of our home and our connection to home is learned through play.

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Jan Peppler's avatar

To expand on that a bit more - the places where we played then become imprinted on us as home.

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Jimmy Nyakora's avatar

Interesting.. I'm thinking about the 'places' or 'stages' where we didn't play and the insecurities that grow out of such experiences. Learning insecurities I mean.

Do we end up ignoring other avenues of personal potential just because we flopped in or weren't invited to to 'play?'

I remember being an awkward soccer player... Being made fun of by boys my age led to a reclusive response on my end.. into books and my internal world. I was made fun of for failing at my first attempt at riding a bicycle and I've never recovered from that: I was 11.

I find myself avoiding environments that replay the kind of 'playground' shame I experienced: I think I've lost great opportunities and friendships too in the process. Even lost great opportunities for holistic self-development like pursuits involving physique.

Though I'm slowly recovering from that and leaning into supportive groups which encourage communal exercise minus shame. Even so, the nature of my sporting activities are primarily solo so I'd still find myself working out alone :D What an interesting world

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