Vertical Playpen – Details, episodes & analysis

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 episode, Phil shares his thoughts on various topics related to training and experiential learning. He recounts an incident involving an Apple Watch that mistakenly called 911 during a climbing session, emphasizing the importance of understanding technology's impact on safety. Phil also discusses the need for clarity in training procedures, urging trainers to differentiate between standard operating procedures and personal preferences. He highlights the significance of embracing failure as a learning tool, sharing activities designed to reinforce this concept. Overall, Phil encourages open communication and feedback in the training community.  

• Phil shares personal experiences and insights from his training sessions.
• The Apple Watch incident highlights the need for safety awareness.
• Trainers should clarify standard operating procedures versus personal preferences.
• Normalizing failure is crucial for effective learning.
• Phil emphasizes the importance of feedback in the training process.
• Understanding technology's role in safety is essential for trainers.
• Creating a supportive learning environment fosters growth.
• Encouraging mistakes can lead to better understanding and retention.
• Phil's approach to training focuses on experiential learning principles.
• Open communication is vital for improvement in the training community.

Let us know your questions;

Email - podcast@high5adventure.org

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Hiring staff for summer camp can be a constant struggle. New thoughts and strategies should be considered.

Phil and Greg (formally of the Mayhew program) sit down to discuss their thoughts on;

- Creating a culture that encourages staff retention

- Training staff

- Staff hiring pitfalls

*This was originally recorded in the winter of 2019*

Connect with Greg - gregorystoutzenberger@gmail.com 

Learn more about the Mayhew Program -https://www.mayhew.org/

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro music - I've Found My Way by Hallman

How do you end your program, training or workshop?

The Training Team (Phil, Rich, Chris and Lisa) discuss how they end a program or workshop with a group.

Saying goodbye, closing activities and when to reflect with the group.

Donate here - https://high5adventure.org/donate/

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro music - I've Found My Way by Hallman

Outro music - Hold My Hand by They Dream By Day

What do you do at the very start of your program, training or workshop?

In this episode members of our training team (Phil, Rich, Chris and Lisa) discuss how they begin a program or workshop with a group.

Activities that set the tone, strategies to connect with the group early on and coping with awkward silences.

Priya Parker Ted Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppfONdsOkWI

Donate here - https://high5adventure.org/donate/

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro music - I've Found My Way by Hallman

Outro music - Hold My Hand by They Dream By Day

 

 

Play brings us joy and is an essential component of experiential learning.   In this episode Phil discusses the 4 primary neurochemicals that elicit happiness; Endorphins, Dopamine, Serotonin and Oxytocin, as well as activities that you can use with your participants to help participants experience them.

Disclaimer: Phil is not a neuroscientist.

Donate here - https://high5adventure.org/donate/

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro music - Future is Now by FLYIN

Bridge music - This is the Right Time by Orjan Karlsson

Outro music - Hold My Hand by They Dream By Day

If you were not limited by time, what problem solving activity would you like to lead?

Today's featured activity with no time constraints - The Pond Traverse

The traverse is an activity featured in High 5's Edge of Leadership summer program that really embodies the concept of problem solving.

Phil is joined by Anne Louise Wagner, and 2 past participants, Martha Lavigne from Keene High School and her former student Meagan McLaughlin to discuss their shared experiences.

Donate here - https://high5adventure.org/donate/

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro music - Future is Now by FLYIN

Bridge music - This is the Right Time by Orjan Karlsson

Outro music - Hold My Hand by They Dream By Day

Hanne joins Phil to discuss;

- Her road to working at High 5

- Training philosophy and what she says at the start of a workshop

- How ducks are cute

Be sure to stick around to the end for a great fish joke.

Kyoob - https://store.high5adventure.org/products/kyoob?_pos=1&_sid=15975c890&_ss=r

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro/Outro song - Future is Now by FLYIN

Bridge music - This is the Right Time by Orjan Karlsson

 

When you experience 40 years of adventure programming you accumulate many impactful moments with special individuals.

In part 2 of our conversation with Doug, we hear about;

- Creating ropes course elements and well known activities with Karl Rohnke

- Polar dips in honor of beloved facilitators

- Mountaineering experiences that test abilities to recognize risk and acknowledge struggle.

Ubuntu Cards - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/high-5-products/products/ubuntu-cards

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Intro/Outro song - Future is Now by FLYIN

Bridge music - This is the Right Time by Orjan Karlsson